A former shop owner in Ayr's Kyle Centre says he is now on the lookout for a new place after having it confirmed that the town's shopping mall will not reopen after lockdown restrictions lift. 

Steven Mackie, who owned Sports Prints - Ayr in the centre, said the news was confirmed to him by the business manager, Fiona Paton, last week.

Steven told the Advertiser: "Unfortunately last week I found out that the Kyle Centre wouldn't be opening again, and got it confirmed off of the business manager.

"I'd like to say that the business manager at the Kyle Centre did nothing wrong.

"In fact, she did everything right to help all the businesses in there. I just think it proved too much money due to lockdowns."

Kyle Centre Closed Unfortunately I've found out that the Kyle centre will not be reopening after this lockdown. A huge...

Posted by Sports prints - Ayr on Friday, 29 January 2021

Steven posted the news on his shop's Facebook page, where he was met with condolences from friends and family.

He wrote: 'For the Kyle centre that's been here for over 30 years, it's very sad to see it end because of a virus. 

'I just hope that all businesses and staff can be helped to get started again.'

The centre's owners have been contacted for further comment.