Irish gambling company BoyleSports has lodged a planning application with South Ayrshire Council to convert the former Keepsakes gift shop on Ayr High Street into a betting shop, in a move that could bring a £350,000 investment to the town centre.
The firm wants to take on the unit, which closed in March 2025, to establish its second Ayrshire betting shop—the other being in Irvine. The application, submitted by BoyleSports (UK), seeks permission for a change of use at the former gift shop, with the proposals relating to the ground floor of the property only.
Investment and jobs planned
Edinburgh-based Lichfields is acting as agent in the proposals. The applicant has committed to creating up to six new jobs and investing £350,000 into a complete refit of the unit. The building itself is not listed, but it is located within Ayr Central Conservation Area.
A supporting statement said: “The proposals will bring this vacant unit into active use, making a positive contribution to the function of Ayr Town Centre and increasing footfall.”
Benefits to town centre
The statement added: “Betting offices have been shown to attract regular, repeat visits, which can support surrounding shops and services through linked trips. The proposals also represent direct investment from BoyleSports in the local area with approximately £350,000 to be invested in the fit-out of the unit.”
“Taken together, the increased footfall, support for local businesses through linked trips, and significant direct investment from BoyleSports – including business rates contributions– will all contribute to the enhanced vitality and viability of Ayr Town Centre.”
The statement also noted: “The proposal will create three full-time and three part-time jobs (including a part-time cleaner). In addition, it is estimated that each new BoyleSports unit creates or supports 26 temporary construction jobs over the six to eight-week construction period. It also creates ongoing indirect employment through the supply chain for consumables, waste management and utilities.”
Details and next steps
Aside from the proposed fit-out, the proposal includes the installation of three satellite dishes and two AC units on the side elevations of the two-storey element of the building. Due to their location, the applicants say that “no visual or amenity impact is anticipated,” and it is considered that they will be “appropriately located.”
The plans are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal, and a decision is expected in October. Founded in 1989 by John Boyle, the business has grown to more than 400 shops in Ireland and the UK, also offering telephone, mobile and online betting and gaming services in Ireland, the UK and a range of international markets.
