A WHOLE activity hub could be in place by the end of the year at the Kyle Centre if plans for a luxury cinema and 24-hour gym run smoothly.

Hopes to bring the big screen to the High Street have gathered pace recently with Irish-based firm Arc looking to open in Ayr. Talks are said to be very encouraging at this point.

It could potentially open in tandem with gym company Energie which is expected to be in business within the next five months. Ayr would have the foundations of a ‘going-out hub’ in the Kyle Centre if all goes to plan and prove a massive boost to the town centre’s revamp.

Managing Director, Graham Hamilton, of PJ Leggate, the firm negotiating the cinema plans, told the Ayr Advertiser: “I think what we need to do is get the deal. We are still in discussion with more than one party so we want to make sure we pick the right one with the right deal. I can’t give any firm dates at this stage as we are still in discussions but it is all very encouraging.

“I think it’s great the council has the vision to help the town centre which has suffered in recent years.”

Mr Hamilton believes the cinema will get the ball rolling for more restaurants in the area too and make it a hub attractive for going out. He added: “There’s no question that a cinema there will encourage eateries. One thing that Ayr lacks is good family eating places, who like being beside cinemas for obvious reasons and it will be a case of one following the other.

“Energie Gym will be opening very shortly on Carrick Street which again will coincide well with the cinema and other activities. The whole idea is to get all the activity centres together which will encourage more business.”

South Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Douglas Campbell said: “People could come to Ayr, go swimming and go to the cinema. The purpose of this is to improve footfall in the town to support local shops.”

Mr Hamilton said an independent report on the town has highlighted Ayr’s strength and opportunity.