Heather Hayward, owner of the new Ayr soft play and cafe 'Playr', aims to create a community hub that supports the local economy while providing a safe and fun environment for families. The venue is set to open in September 2026 at the former Topshop unit in the Kyle Shopping Centre.
Vision for a Family-Friendly Destination
Hayward's vision is to create a place families genuinely love visiting, offering a safe play area for children and high-quality food for adults. The cafe will focus on fresh homemade food, including daily soups, freshly filled rolls, cakes, and sweet treats, alongside hot and cold drinks. Regular promotions, family offers, and loyalty incentives aim to keep the venue affordable.
“Our vision is to create a place that families genuinely love visiting. We want to offer a fun, safe environment for children while providing high-quality food and excellent value for adults,” Hayward told Ayrshire Live.
Community and Economic Impact
The business is expected to create several jobs in customer service, cafe operations, cleaning, and management, with recruitment starting before the opening. Hayward emphasized supporting the local economy by working with local suppliers and creating employment opportunities. “Supporting the local economy is extremely important to us, and wherever possible we will work with local suppliers and create employment opportunities within the community,” she said.
Beyond Soft Play: A Versatile Space
In addition to daily play sessions, 'Playr' will host children's birthday parties and offer flexible spaces for private hire, community groups, family celebrations, meetings, and special events. Hayward described this as the beginning of a wider growth project with plans to expand in the future. “This is only the beginning of our journey. We have ambitious plans for the future and hope this will become a well-loved destination that grows alongside the families and communities we serve,” she added.
Construction and Opening Timeline
Construction and fit-out plans are progressing well, with regular updates shared through social media. The venue is scheduled to open its doors in September 2026, representing a significant investment in the local area.
