READERS are joining the Ayr Advertiser’s campaign to transform Ayr’s Riverside into a heritage centre.

On Wednesday, March 28 we set up an online petition via change.org and in just 48 hours gathered 200 supporters.

Our petition states: “It was revealed that after knocking down the Riverside Block remains of 19th century Ayr were discovered including the the former King’s Arms Hotel which was demolished in the 1930s. 

“Some of the brickwork was found in the old Woolworths.

“Momentum has been growing for archaeologists to keep digging to see what else they can find and for the findings to eventually be on display.

“Instead of building council offices, we feel a heritage site could be put in place instead, with a glass floor for locals and tourists to walk above the remains of ‘Auld Ayr’.

“This will bring Ayr back to life and encourage tourists to visit.”
South Ayrshire Council say they have submitted ‘revised plans’ for Ayr’s Riverside but this will still consist of office blocks costing £11 million. 

“They say further consideration has been given to enhance the design. 
The revised proposals for the south and west elevations has changed the layout of the top floor to create a step back between the top two floors.

But the community are still not happy and feel the space on Ayr’s Riverside should be used in a way that highlights Ayr’s history to boost tourism and the local economy.

We feel we should create a centre that Ayr residents can be proud of and visit along with tourists. To support our petition visit

https://www.change.org/p/ayr-advertiser-a-heritage-site-at-the-riverside-in-ayr?

To have your say visit South Ayrshire Council website http://publicaccess.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P3EUMEBDHJR00