IT COULD take 38 weeks to demolish the Ayr Riverside Block provided planning permission is granted.

Ayr Renaissance, who created the masterplan, are hopeful they will get the go ahead as early as next year to allow work to begin in early February 2017, in a bid to transform that area of the town into a thriving realm.

Speaking at a recent public meeting, Cllr Allan Dorans, said: “We are still waiting to get planning permission approved but provided it is, work is expected to start in February.

“It will take 38 weeks to demolish as the demolition will take place in phases. David Bell, Manager of the Ayr Renaissance, hopes that work can begin as early as this February.”

It is hoped the masterplan will present a vision for a mixed development which could include quality office accommodation and housing as well as space for niche retail units, cafes, restaurants and spaces for public engagement.

These plans include sweeping away the massive retail stores which have blocked access to the river since the 1960s and the creation of landscaped public realm alongside a festival building and an elegant new waterfront for the town.

Traditional vennels, in keeping with the existing town centre, will open up informal pedestrian connections throughout the Riverside Block site from all directions; while in the longer term, the River Ayr Walk, which currently ends at the Auld Brig, could continue across the site, running along the river to the sea.

The north shore is also part of the plan which will be re-landscaped as part of the framing of a new River Square including the stretch of river flanked by both bridges - with the potential to become the focal point for festivities and events.

An artists impression, released just last month, reveals what the Riverside Block could look like. 

This adds to the regeneration of Ayr High Street’s former Clydesdale bank which will be used for markets, entertainment and office space.