Architect designs for the former Ayr Woolworths site beside the river have been revealed. 

The council plans to erect a three-storey building housing eight one-bedroom flats on the scenic plot.  Residents would have balconies overlooking the river. 

Clad in blonde sandstone, the building would also contain a community space on the ground floor with public toilets and enough room to seat 200. 

The property would face on to the bottom of the High Street next door to number 50. 

A community space half the size of a football pitch is also proposed for the river side vacant land featuring lawn, shrubs, trees and seating. 

Another building – described as a community “pavilion” with an outdoor classroom or a kiosk is also part of the vision.

There could be  an events stage and room for market stalls. 

Decking measuring 85 metres would run alongside the river. 

Architect Austin-Smith:Lord have produced the designs.

Ayr resident Robert Lambert said: “In my view the team have done a splendid job and produced a design plan which when implemented will create an attractive social space in Ayr which will benefit the town immensely. 

He added: “My only concern is regarding the proposed set of flats. They will significantly increase the cost of the development and I am not convinced that people will want to live at the edge of an events site.”

Mr Lambert encouraged residents to take part in a consultation on the plans.

People are invited to comment on the South Ayrshire Council website by May 25.

Alternatively they can write to Austin-Smith:Lord Ltd, 296 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5RU or email glasgow@austinsmithlord.com.

The council is now pushing ahead with the vision despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

A planning application will be submitted at a later date. 

The council said: “Following two previous public consultation events for the Ayr Riverside site, the third and final consultation event is now open.

“In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, all information will be available online.”