The MAYBOLE Regeneration Project gets actively underway this week with plans to invest up to £7.5 million in the town centre as well as key restoration projects over the next four years.

The Maybole Regeneration Project is a four-year regeneration project investing up to £7.5 million in the town centre so it becomes an even better place to live, work and visit for residents, businesses and visitors to Carrick’s ancient capital.

The project plans to improve shopfronts by providing grants to owners.

Funding will also be used to develop and improve walking and cycling routes into the town centre and the new school campus as well as transforming the High Street.

A new website dedicated to the project has also been launched.

Mark Fletcher, chair of the Maybole Community Council, said: “A project like this takes a whole community to implement. Equally, a revitalised town centre will benefit all, especially when the bypass opens and takes lorry traffic away from our historic streets.

“The recent lockdown has demonstrated the importance of the ‘shop local’ message and provided both reason and opportunity to walk and cycle.

“I hope this will have provided a taste of what a regenerated town centre can mean to Maybole, as we reclaim the High Street for people, not traffic.”

Key historic buildings will also receive restoration funding such as the Speakers, the Town Hall and the Castle.

Those behind the project say community involvement is key to its success.

Duncan Clelland, project lead for the Maybole Regeneration Project, said, “I want to pay tribute to those with the original vision for Maybole – the Community Council and activists who fought hard to establish their case.

“Now with South Ayrshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund fully behind the plans, the project is moving on to an exciting phase where we can jointly make a real difference to the look and feel of the town.

“The new website plays a crucial part in disseminating information and providing access to grant funding and I’d encourage everyone in Maybole and the surrounding area to have a look at what is planned and what assistance is available”.

For further information, visit www.regeneratingmaybole.scot

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