WORK is set to start on the renovation of fire-damaged buildings in the centre of Ayr.

The properties at 17-21 High Street were seriously damaged by a fire nearly four years ago, which started in the upper level of the property, above what was the World of Art store, opposite the open space which is now home to the Cutty Sark Centre.

Six fire crews were called out to tackle the blaze on May 17, 2020, and the damage required the removal of the building's roof. 

The lower levels suffered water and smoke damage, but the buildings have since been made safe. 

Prior to the fire, the first floor of the property formed part of the Town Hall, but was unused because of access constraints.

The second floor comprised two residential flats, while the attic was vacant.

Outline proposals for the restoration of the building were approved by the local authority's planning department in September 2021, while separate applications for planning permission and listed building consent for revised design proposals were lodged the following year.

The council is now looking to upgrade the two retail units on the ground floor, reinstate the main supporting structure and some walls on the first, second and attic floors, and reinstate the slated roof.

The building is category B listed, and is located within the Ayr Central conservation area.

The council says the proposals will bring the ground floor retail units back into use, improve the energy efficiency of the building, and will improve the area's character and appearance. 

The council has now confirmed that work will start on Monday, June 10, and is expected to last for a year.

Nearby businesses will be open as usual, however the bus stop opposite the Cutty Sark Centre will move along the High Street to the Fish Cross.

The temporary bus stop will be in place for the duration of the works.