WORK is to begin this month on the refurbishment of Maybole Town Hall, which will see ‘major enhancements’ to the building, including conserving a tower which is believed to originate from the 1500s.
South Ayrshire Council revealed the building will be preserved for future generations thanks to funding of £1.2 million, including nearly £580,000 from the Scottish Government. Other funders include South Ayrshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Heritage Lottery.
The historic tower is set to get a new roof, while repairs will also be carried out to the masonry. A new accessible entrance will be added to the north side and the car park will be completely resurfaced and could be used for community events in the future.
Internally, the kitchen will move to the main hall and the heating, lighting and electrics will be modernised.
The council added that the high street is also set to receive a boost thanks to the North Carrick Community Benefit Company. The NCCBC will transform the unused Maybole Charity Shop into an enterprise centre. Funding for this project includes £200,000 from the Scottish Government and a further £300,000 from NCCBC, Heritage Lottery and Historic Environment Scotland.
Councillor Bob Pollock, economic development portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said, “This is great news for Maybole and brings recent investment in the town up to £9.1m. The work to transform the town hall and the charity shop, would not have been possible without a major funding increase from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grants Fund, they have now contributed well over £779k.
“The rejuvenation of Maybole is an example of partnerships delivering major improvements in our towns and communities, growing our economy and making them even more attractive places to live, work and visit. We are pioneering community led regeneration and attracting significant investment to the town. For every £1 invested by the Council, we expect to attract £8 in match funding.”
Mark Fletcher, chair of Maybole Community Council, added, “In these challenging times it’s great to see these long-awaited projects, key to the regeneration of Maybole Town Centre, starting in May. Special thanks go to the Scottish Government, without their added support these projects would not have been able to progress, thanks also to NCCBC, Historic Environment Scotland and Heritage Lottery whose continued support will make a huge difference to the town centre.”
Frank McManus, MD at Procast who successfully bid for both projects, said, “We are excited to start work on these two important projects in historic Maybole. We recognise their importance and look forward to meeting the local community and contributing to the regeneration of the town.”
