AYR’S once iconic Station Hotel could collapse within three years forcing the train station to close, it has been revealed.

The category B listed building, developed in 1885, has been closed since 2012 after the overseas owners neglected it, allowing it to decay.

Along with the growth in the roof line and the falling sandstone, there are gutters and drain pipes which need replaced.

Robin Ghosh, of E Design Architecture, has been single handedly trying to liaise with South Ayrshire Council to try and come up with a solution.

Speaking at a public meeting he said: “The future of the Station Hotel is unclear. I am a one man band trying to fix it.

“It needs quality investment. There is water ingress, the ceilings are collapsing and there is debris everywhere. It is a health and safety hazard.

“The building will deteriorate completely within three years becoming a danger to the members of the public. When this happens the council will become the owners by default.

Ayr Advertiser:

“We are subject to a dangerous building notice, leading to the closure of the railway line.

“The owners have shown no interest and are unwilling to do something with the building. There are problems with the building layout position.

“I would like to see it turned into student accommodation or a council hub but the council need to act as a catalyst and move the offices from Burns House and the Riverside Block when it is completed.

“Station Hotel needs to be restored to its former glory but there are limitations. We could build an extension to the front with main access to the facility. There could be meeting areas and retail units on the ground floor.

“This would mean a new entrance to the train station. On the upper levels there would be open plan offices.

“We need to take responsibility for the hotel to drive change, not shy away from it.”