AYR Renaissance plans to regenerate the Ayr Riverside Block is moving forward today.

It was announced in November that Ayr's Riverside Block could be knocked down to make way for a fantastic new development that is hoping to boost the local economy.

Today, in a special planning meeting, South Ayrshire councillors will decide on whether the plans go ahead.

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.

Chairman of Ayr Renaissance, James Knox, previously said: "The balance of the development depends on the added value created by the quality of the architecture, the welcome to the public afforded by the originality and openness of the plan and the content of the public realm.

"Getting these right is the key to unlocking long-term regeneration of the town centre for generations to come."

In the planning application there has been no objections from main consultants such as Environmental Health, SPT, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and the West of Scotland Archaeology Service.

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.

The masterplan serves as the basis for the planning application submitted by Ayr Renaissance to enable demolition of most of the riverside block which is in a conservation area.

If planning approval is granted, existing buildings would be demolished, with an archaeological dig to follow across the whole site to uncover the secrets of medieval Ayr.

It is expected that the planning application will be approved subject to conditions. 

John Scott MSP said: “This development has been a long time coming and I hope that it passes the planning stage and that work can begin on site as quickly as possible. The need to boost the bottom end of the High Street is urgent and this development plan should be the key to its revitalisation.”