Girvan's former cinema building has been bought by the council so it can be demolished.

Following a period of negotiation, South Ayrshire Council has completed the purchase of the property on Dalrymple Street.

In 2017, the dilapidated building was deemed structurally unsafe and its fate hung in the balance with various businesses claiming to be interested in it before abandoning the idea of taking it on.

The council stepped in to buy the deteriorating building, which has lain empty for around 20 years, to 'ensure the health and safety of the wider community'.

Ayr Advertiser:

Not only has it bought the building, which sits in a prime location in the town, it has also purchased the 300 year ground lease, which was put in place in 1875.

This allows SAC full control of the site and means proposals will be developed to take down the building with a view to regenerating the area.

Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “I’m sure the purchase of the former cinema building will come as good news to the town’s residents.

“Sadly, the building has been left to deteriorate for a number of years by the former owners. As well as being dangerous, the building was subject to infestation and damp, which became an ongoing expense to the Council and nearby residents.

“The health and wellbeing of the community is our priority, and we can now take the necessary steps to make sure the area is safe. 

“The building is in a prime location in the town, so we will now look at possibilities for regenerating the area, with the aim of encouraging more people back into the heart of Girvan.”