More than three-quarters of council-owned lock-up garages assessed in East Ayrshire have been classified as a cause for concern, according to a new report.
East Ayrshire Council’s Housing Asset Management Framework review reveals that 820 out of 1,066 garages assessed received a red rating, representing 76.9 per cent of the total.
The findings come as councillors prepare to consider further garage demolition proposals at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
High vacancy levels across garage estate
The report also highlights high levels of vacancy across the council’s garage estate, with separate occupancy figures showing 461 garages were empty as of May 31, 2026.
Council officers are seeking approval for further work as part of an ongoing programme to address garage sites that are no longer considered sustainable.
Among the proposals is the demolition of 32 garages at Caprington Gardens in Kilmarnock during 2027/28, at an estimated cost of £112,000.
Progress on previously agreed projects
The report also provides updates on previously agreed projects. At Bridgehousehill Road in Kilmarnock, 23 garages were demolished in December 2025.
Further demolition work has been identified at Kirktonholm Place in Kilmarnock, Townhead Street in Cumnock and Gameshill View in Stewarton.
The council’s Housing Asset Management Framework is used to assess whether properties and other housing assets remain suitable for continued use and investment. Properties are assessed using a traffic-light system, with a red rating identifying assets where there are concerns about their long-term sustainability.
Red-rated homes also reported
The report findings do not necessarily indicate that every red-rated garage is unsafe or will necessarily be demolished.
The same report shows that 160 council homes were rated red in 2026, compared with 172 the previous year. Of these, 73 are in Irvine Valley, Ballochmyle and Kilmarnock South, while 64 are in Cumnock and Doon Valley and 23 are in Kilmarnock North and Central.
Cabinet members are being asked to note progress on previously approved garage projects and approve recommendations for further work.
