AYR Town Centre needs to be become a ‘strong centre’ for South Ayrshire to support the surrounding towns and villages.

It has been described as the ‘county town’ which should attract visitors throughout the year - spring, summer, autumn and winter.

In a bid to restore the shopping centre, it is hoped that renovation plans will include the top of the town as well as the bottom and the Riverside Block.

Speaking exclusively to the Ayr Advertiser Series, Leader of the Council, Douglas Campbell, said: “We need regeneration ideas for Ayr. 

“It does attract many tourists but there are many areas that have been forgotten about and need opened up and revisited.

“Examples of this include the River Ayr, Rozelle and Belleisle Parks which we do not use. The Low Green should be bustling with locals and tourists.

“There is nothing for people to do when they come and visit. We need to provide more facilities in the area which will encourage people to come here more often, rather than when the sun shines.”

The new administration hopes they will find a solution for Station Hotel, Burns House and Odeon Cinema which have been allowed to deteriorate.

Depute Leader, Brian McGinley, said: “The Ayr Renaissance plan is looking to consolidate the bottom end of the town.

“Once that has been completed we will look at the top end and start addressing issues with Burns House and Station Hotel. 

“When that has been completed we will look to develop the middle and the possibility of a cinema complex there.”

Cllr Brian Connolly added: “We require a strong Ayr.”

Cllr Alec Clark said: “I think that is the case in all our towns.”

Cllr Campbell explained: “We want to make people aware of our visions and let them know what we have in store and what could be completed by 2030 and then by 2050.

“We need people to know that there is a long journey ahead of us. We are looking at the short term as well as the long term and making a difference.”

Assisting with the regeneration of Maybole was also discussed. With money from the lottery funding it is hoped Maybole’s culture and history can be revealed as well as assist the Maybole Bypass.

Cllr Campbell, said: “With the lottery funding, we can try and match that and assist the progress for the Bypass.

“I think you have got to redirect  the traffic, particularly heavy lorries going through streets where people live.

“There is a lot of heritage in the town and we want to be proud of that. “
It seemed clear that following discussions with the new body, they were keen to help improve key areas of South Ayrshire in bid to support local communities. There will be updates in the coming weeks.