A DATE has been set for works to start on Ayr's Citadel Leisure Centre roof and façade.

This is the start of a programme of works at the popular leisure centre, which is set to benefit from an extensive refurbishment programme. 

The project will be led by the council’s appointed leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, and supported by architect and principal designer, Holmes Miller and principal contractor, Robertson Construction Central West.

The initial phase of the works will start on Monday, November 18, and will see a section of the existing roof replaced to address water ingress. 

This will enhance the roof’s thermal performance and the overall energy efficiency of the building.

The planned exterior work includes renewal of some of the glazing around the centre and brickwork repairs.

Construction vehicles and equipment will be on site from Monday, November 4, which means that some of the parking bays in the Citadel carpark will be unavailable to customers while the work is being carried out.

There are other free parking options close by, including some on-street parking in South Harbour Street and people can also make use of the free car park on Cromwell Road, which is approximately a five-minute walk from the Citadel.

The centre will be open as normal to customers and sport and leisure members during these exterior works, which are expected to last for around 19 weeks. 

After these are complete, the next phase of the upgrade will commence and the council will provide more details about this in a future update.

Councillor Brian Connolly, portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: “I’m pleased that we have a start date for the initial external works at the Citadel. 

"This is the first step towards bringing the building up to modern standards for our customers and sport and leisure members.” 

Jonny Curley, Director for Scotland at Alliance Leisure, said: “We are excited to begin work on the transformation of the Citadel Leisure Centre.

"This project will not only address essential repairs but will also improve the overall visitor experience to create a key leisure and recreation destination for residents and visitors alike.”

You can keep up to date on the Citadel improvement works and view our FAQs at https://citadel-leisure-redevelopment.co.uk.