MEMBERS of Ayr Station Hotel Action Group feel the best option for the hotel is to transform it into a community centre.

The organisation want to save the hotel and have it restored to its former glory as described by the Ayr Advertiser in 1886, when the hotel first opened.

A dangerous building notice was first issued in 2013 followed by another notice in 2018. 

Esther Clark, who launched the group, said: “The best option for the hotel would be to create a community centre with a cafe and restaurant for the 1.5m people who pass through.

“We could have something of commercial value to help improve health and wellbeing. There could also be an area for weddings, funerals, parties and self catering.”

In 1886, Ayr Station Hotel was opened and the Ayr Advertiser reported the grandeur of the facility with a marble staircase at the reception.

The hotel was was constructed by the same railway company and chief engineer, Andrew Galloway, who developed Turnberry. 

Esther continued: “This was the height of Andrew Galloway’s career. He designed Ayr Station Hotel in 1885 but died before it opened one year later. 

"In 1968 Rio Stakis got rid of the marble staircase as he had a chain of hotels. We have been researching the history of Ayr Station Hotel for some time to discover what was going on.”

Following a public meeting on Friday, April 6 the Action Group have encouraged 60 people to show an interest in the project.
Some 30 people have already signed up. The Action Group hope to rent a shop on Ayr High Street to gather signatures and to present a similar exhibition to the one at the town hall.