Blueprints outlining an ambitious vision for Kilmarnock town centre's future over the next 14 years have been unveiled for the first time. Radical proposals attempt to address a number of challenges facing the high street along with plans to breathe life into under utilised spaces.
The visual dossier, dubbed Kilmarnock Town Centre masterplan, details that derelict or abandoned buildings could be snapped up to be repurposed in a bid to make the town more welcoming. Grand plans are backed by £120 million of funding - £100m of East Ayrshire Council's capital programme cash and £20m of pride in place funding.
Three phases of development
The masterplan - the first for the town since the 1970s - has set out three phases of development. Phase one projects are schemes that are already being delivered - like the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall makeover - or can be achieved. Phase two plans - taking one to 10 years - are 'achievable' with some risks and would require private sector partnership. While phase 3 blueprints - taking up to 14 years - have complexities and also require private sector partnership.
The report states: "Kilmarnock is at an important point in its regeneration journey and an ambitious, coordinated approach is required to realise the town’s full potential. The Shared Vision and Concept Masterplan articulates our ambition, identifies priorities for investment and provides a clear framework to coordinate delivery and unlock change."
"It is intentionally aspirational, setting out a bold direction for how the town centre will grow and develop over the next decade and beyond. Importantly, it is also grounded in the realities of delivery, identifying a range of opportunities that with the right conditions and collaborations can be realised over time."
Key proposals for the town
Officials behind the project see this as the start of the masterplan's journey with the work produced so far being a shared vision of East Ayrshire Council and a whole host of major stakeholders, prominent business figures in Ayrshire and a range of community groups.
A vision for the town in the document adds: "A new chapter for Kilmarnock town centre: creating a vibrant, accessible and sustainable destination. A town that connects people and places, celebrates heritage, embraces town centre living, and strengthens green and blue networks to bring nature and water back into the heart of the town."
Major aspirations in the report, which is set to go before councillors next week, include a radical redesign of the frontage at Kilmarnock train station with the derelict former Curves building either becoming a civic space or being repurposed into use again.
The plan also prioritises making the town centre family and child friendly with plans mooted for modern play spaces under the viaduct with pop-up stalls featuring local artisans in a bid to reclaim unused spaces.
Climate and connectivity
Proposals also aim to conform to climate emergency targets with flooding issues typically presenting an issue for developments. However, a more 'holistic' approach could see water being used in a positive way with more green spots in public realm design to aid with draining surface water rather than a reliance on the sewer system. Designs released today show an abundance of green and planted spaces.
A new walkway dubbed Palace Avenue would hug West George Street and run parallel to Green Street in a bid to increase footfall along with improving safety and direct accessible routes. This striking concept could arrive in phase 3 and would aim to connect the train station, bus station and Place Theatre and Grand Hall complex.
Blueprints also target vacant buildings - including the former ABC cinema on Titchfield Street, which has now been empty for 27 years. The Former Frasers building, Curves, Topshop, Superdrug and BHS (part of the Burns Mall's portfolio).
Repurposing and consultation
Both the former cinema and Frasers have already been reviewed by a repurposing and retrofit panel set up earlier this year. The group is a new vehicle to bring vacant buildings back into use.
The masterplan adds: "Both owners and agents have been given a report which identifies key actions for the buildings." Feasibility studies for potential uses along with a conditions survey would carry this forward. The Galleon centre is also currently the subject of a feasibility study and business case.
Accommodation proposals also play a role in reshaping the town centre with case studies from Aberdeen and other leading towns and cities showcasing schemes that have breathed life into upper floors above retail spaces.
The report acknowledges that a majority of big name retailers that anchored the town have now gone and a refocus on local and independent traders will offer 'experiences and products unavailable anywhere else'.
The report reads: "There are a number of vacant properties in the town centre with inactive ownership / landlords which detract from the buoyancy of the town centre. The council can use a range of powers, including Compulsory Purchase Orders if owners are unwilling to engage in regeneration of the town centre and if acquiring land is necessary for a project in the public interest and voluntary purchase has failed."
"The support of existing retailers, businesses, community planning partners, the community and community-led organisations that already do much to contribute to the vitality of the town centre will be important in delivering the vision for Kilmarnock. A robust engagement strategy will be produced to ensure that our collective ambitions for the town are properly conveyed and that existing stakeholders in the town centre benefit from the vision."
Almost 5000 people took part in consultations that formed the basis of the plans. Once councillors have looked through the blueprints, all of the proposals will go to the public for a six week consultation from August 31 to October 11. In person consultation events will take place with locals also able to submit their thoughts online.
