A PUBLIC consultation has begun as South Ayrshire Council seeks the public's views on its 'masterplan' for the former Arran Mall and the old Hourstons building in Ayr.
The council is looking to redevelop the area into a mixed use 'care village'.
This would involve demolition works, existing building alterations, new-build elements, car parking, servicing and access arrangements, hard and soft landscaping, public realm and other associated works and infrastructure.
New offices and facilities would be set up in most of the existing Hourstons building.
These facilities would include welcoming public areas and spaces, family centres, meeting facilities, as well as both permanent and flexible working office space for SAC and NHS staff all under one roof.
An Aeging Well Village would be created in the space of the Arran Mall, including a Care Village and more general 'housing for varying needs'.
This development would also include day care facilities, recovery focused residential units, a Bairns Hoose facility, family centre, families for youths leaving care, parking spaces, and a new GP services building.
To give your views on the plans, visit the online consultation at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations.
An in-person event will be held at the Grain Exchange on Thursday, July 17.
You can also post comments to: LMA Architects, Suite G1, 18 Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1EZ or email studio@l-m-a.co.uk.
The closing date for responses to both consultations is Friday, July 26.
Hourstons closed its doors in February 2019 after 123 years in business in the town, with the loss of 81 jobs.
Most of the shops in the Arran Mall were relocated in 2022.
A previous SNP-led administration at the council had drawn up plans to turn the site into a new leisure centre to replace the Citadel, but those proposals, which sharply divided local opinion, particularly over their soaring costs, were dumped after the Conservatives seized power following the local government election two years ago.
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