Maybole Town Hall has reopened following an extensive restoration.
The historic building, parts of which are believed to date back to the 1500s, has been transformed thanks to funding of £1.165 million.
South Ayrshire Council funded the project along with contributions from Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland, and Heritage Lottery.
One of the key ambitions was to repair the town hall’s iconic tower and restore the balcony, which has been graced by Queen Elizabeth II as well as former American President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Accessible amenities have been added to both the ground floor and the first floor and a new layout has seen the kitchen and bar move to the main hall.
A cutting-edge audio-visual system has been added along with state-of-the-art stage lighting to ensure the rejuvenated hall can be used for a wide range of events such as weddings, concerts, plays, and movie screenings.
Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Scotland's minister for local government, empowerment and planning, said: “It is great to see this historic and prominent community venue re-opening following nearly £800,000 of investment by the Scottish Government through our Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
“The town hall’s transformation will benefit people for generations to come and - as part of wider regeneration work in Maybole - bring new vitality to the high street for the community and visitors.
“Scotland’s town centres make a huge contribution to the economic and social success of our communities, which is why the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to supporting projects that build enterprising communities that are good for Scotland’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing.”
Councillor Bob Pollock, economic development portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “The town hall has been transformed and I am delighted with the results.
"The main hall is now a modern, welcoming venue which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for many years to come.
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“This regeneration project is an example of partnership working at its best with the project team working closely with the funders and the local community to breathe new life into this key historic building, creating a vibrant and thriving asset for the community.
“We’re committed to ensuring Maybole is an even better place to live, work, and visit and the town hall refurbishment is just one of several landmark projects.
"The castle is currently undergoing works to turn it into a hub for the local community and an active travel public realm scheme is also in the pipeline.
“South Ayrshire Council remains committed to working hand in hand with our communities and investing in our towns and villages.”
Mark Fletcher, chair of the project board and of Maybole Community Council, added: "It has been a fairly lengthy project that for me and other community representatives began in 2009.
"Thankfully this whole project has proven that communities and local councils can achieve so much through working together.
“To now see priority projects like the town hall come back into use and given a new lease of life, fills the community with hope for new beginnings, while maintaining the historic values of the built environment.
"Many memories have been shared and created in the town hall and now many more families and groups can continue to make more great memories.
“A big thank you to the project team for the work thus far and I look forward to seeing the regeneration of Maybole through to its conclusion.”
An event took place at the town hall with the project team, funding partners, councillors and locals gathering to mark the reopening.
The council singled out the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grants Fund, National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and North Carrick Community Benefit Company for their contributions to the project.
For Maybole Town Hall booking enquiries, please visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/Maybole-Town-Hall
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