Campaigners and leading heritage groups have sent an open letter to South Ayrshire Council demanding they reveal their plans for the future of Ayr's Station Hotel - or what is left of it.
Led by Save Britain's Heritage, the coalition of nine groups want to see the north wing of the historic building saved after the long-empty property was badly damaged by fire last September.
Many of the groups had campaigned to save the entire building - citing its historical importance - but they were forced to admit defeat in their bid to save the south wing of the hotel and its gable end, which has now been torn down.
South Ayrshire Council insists a full assessment of the tower and northern section of the Victorian building - which dates back to 1886 - will be carried out once the southern end has been made safe.
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But campaign groups fear the whole building will be razed to the ground.
The signatories to the open letter also includes leaders of the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Ayr Development Trust, the Ayr Station Hotel Community Action Group and the Ayrshire Architectural Heritage Trust.
The letter reads: "In light of the ongoing demolition of the south wing of the category B-listed Ayr Station Hotel, we the undersigned write to request that you publicly set out South Ayrshire Council's plans for the remaining north wing and clock tower of the former Ayr Station Hotel complex.
"We remain concerned at the apparent opaque process and decision-making surrounding the ongoing loss of the majority of the south wing.
"Back in early November, after the latest fire, conservation accredited engineer Ed Morton advised the chief executive of an alternative method of propping up the south gable over Station Road.
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"This would have addressed public safety concerns and avoided further major demolition of the remaining structure, while crucially allowing the re-opening of the road.
"We have not had confirmation that this advice was considered or explored, and the majority of the south wing has now been demolished.
"Thankfully, the adjacent tower and north wing were not the focus of the fire in September. Pre-fire, these elements were not under protective scaffolding – unlike the south wing – as this was not considered necessary by your officers.
"They remain free from scaffolding, and we assume, therefore, pose no health and safety risk to the public.
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"We believe there is a bright future for a restored and fully occupied tower and north wing. Creating a fittingly grand and lively entrance to the town, alongside a new extension with accessible station facilities, and the potential for a new integrated transport exchange at Burns Statue Square, would be something the town could be proud of.
"We would be willing to work with all relevant parties to help achieve this.
"In our view this would be best achieved by creating a broad stakeholder group, led by an independent chair, to develop the business case and who would report into your wider town centre strategy group/consultation.
"However, as the demolition contractors advance, and since SAC has not declared its intention for the rest of the privately owned site, we seek clarification on where you will call a halt to the demolition and what your plans are going forward.
READ MORE: Photos reveal the scale of fire damage after huge blaze at Station Hotel building
"Please share your current surveys of these buildings post-fire. Please also set out your vision for the future use of the north wing and tower of the former Station Hotel and assure us that Ayr’s remaining historic buildings are safe in South Ayrshire Council’s hands.
"The retention and re-use of the tower and north wing would send a positive message to the people of Ayr, and it would set the benchmark for the wider regeneration of the town."
The letter was signed by Henrietta Billings,director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage; Matthew Mckeague, CEO of the Architectural Heritage Fund; Jocelyn Cunliffe, vice-chair of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland; Niall Murphy, director of the Glasgow City Heritage Trust; David Cook, director of the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust; Esther Clark from the Ayr Development Trust; H. Bruce Collier, chair of the Ayr Station Hotel Community Action Group; and Kinlay Laidlaw, chair of the Ayrshire Architectural Heritage Trust.
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said today: "Safety works are still taking place on the southern section of the building.
"When these works are complete, an assessment will be carried out on the tower and the northern section. This assessment will determine any future course of action and any decision will be made public.”
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