Councillors have been given the go-ahead to kick off plans to rent prime land on Ayr’s coastline for commercial development.

The council owned plot in question is the former putting green, which could be leased to a restaurant chain. 

South Ayrshire Council’s St Germain-En-Laye Gardens on the seafront is also to be redesigned as well as the old crazy golf area. 

A council paper said: “South Ayrshire Council is looking at ways of making the most effective and efficient use of its assets at Ayr Esplanade.”

Politicians gave permission for a glossy brochure to be prepared to tout the putting green ground to private firms. 

The move could eventually see an eatery built on the spot. 

A council paper said: “The prominent location of this site together with a marketing brochure should be of interest to prominent local and national operators.”

The putting green used to be run by Billy Hammond until his lease was terminated in April 2017.

Councillors also signed off plans for architects to draw up new ideas for the St Germain-En-Laye Gardens and bandstand.

The gardens sit in front of council headquarters County Buildings facing out to sea. 

The aim is to transform the space into an area suitable for musical performances, food and craft fairs and family events. 

The council paper said: “These events would be held during in the summer and could potentially be music events for local bands, food and craft fairs or family friendly events such as magic shows with face painting.”

Architects Austin Smith Lord have been hired to come with a vision for the site with potential costs. 

The former crazy golf site is also to be transformed into an area of open space for “people to relax and spend time on the esplanade.”

All the ideas will go out for public consultation before they happen.

Councillors voted to progress the plans at the latest Leadership Panel meeting.

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