CONCERNS challenging the proposals to develop of office blocks on Ayr’s former Riverside Block have been submitted to South Ayrshire Councill.

In September last year, Tom Rees, of Rathmell Archaeology, told Fort Seafield and Wallacetown community council how Ayr’s hidden history had been discovered underneath the old Woolworths building.

Part of the Kings Arms was discovered in the brickwork, medieval pottery, timbre and other materials and portrayed life in 18th Century Ayr. It was hoped this could be displayed at the Riverside and create a tourist hotspot.

But a planning application has been submitted to the council to continue with the development of office blocks.

Posting on social media, Cllr Siobhian Brown, said: “Since planning has been submitted, I have been contacted by many people regarding the proposed design of the new Riverside Block.

“This is a very important project, where we have the opportunity to do something great and start to make some long needed changes to our town. I want people excited not disappointed.”

Fiona Walker,  Ayr, said: “I had gained the impression that Ayr Renaissance intended that this site should be primarily devoted to increased public open space, affording much increased views towards the river, opening this part of Ayr to the public with access through pends from the High Street. 

“It is a great shock to view the very large, bland and under designed building which it is proposed to impose on this important site between the Old Brig and the New Bridge. 

“The proposed building would be entirely unsuitable for this area; it would dominate and spoil an area planned to enhance the centre of the town of Ayr, bringing a much needed opening of the High Street to take advantage of the riverside. 

“There is now an opportunity to created something very special in this part of town which is much needed to enhance and uplift the centre of Ayr.”

Robert Lambert, Seafield, said: :I am very concerned that the planned building will take up far too large an area and be too high within the newly created open space. It is obvious that the public access area will be very restricted as will the general opening up of the High Street to the river.” 

Historic Environment Scotland said: “ While the context of these A-listed buildings would be altered considerably, we are satisfied that there would be no significant detrimental impacts on their settings. “

Visit publicaccess.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P3EUMEBDHJR00 to have your say. 

(Picture from Jack Gillon, Ayr&Alloway Through Time, Amberley Publishing)