LOCAL residents and businesses are being invited to take part in a public consultation on the proposed designs for the redevelopment of Burns Statue Square in Ayr.
Launching on May 16, the consultation will allow people to view the plans, take part in a survey, and talk to the project team at in-person events on May 16, 11am-4pm at Ayr Academy; May 16, 10am-4pm, Ayr Central Shopping Centre; and May 21, 3-7pm, Ayr Central Shopping Centre.
The £16 million project is being delivered by Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council and aims to transform the traffic dominated island to create a distinct town centre gateway. Proposed designs feature a welcoming civic space that celebrates the Square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature, and will become a destination area for people to visit and enjoy.
Since its development in the early 19th century, Burns Statue Square has been a defining landmark within Ayr town centre as well as a place of historic and cultural importance.
Burns Statue Square is one of the ten priority projects identified by South Ayrshire Council. Using traffic modelling systems, it is anticipated that proposed changes to the road configuration, which includes the realignment of the A70 carriageway southwards away from the south-facing building frontages, along with new signal timings, will lead to more efficient travel on the routes and faster journey times.
As well as redefining the shape, space and presentation of the square, new planting is proposed as well as bench seating.
Councillor Brian Connolly, South Ayrshire Council leader and economy and strategy policy lead, said, “This £16 million investment represents a significant boost for Ayr’s economy, helping to create a more vibrant and attractive town centre that supports local businesses, encourages increased footfall, and strengthens Ayr’s appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors.”
Councillor Alec Clark, depute leader and commercial/operational services policy lead for South Ayrshire Council, added, “The proposed redesign of Burns Statue Square will deliver meaningful improvements to traffic flow and journey times, while creating a safer and more efficient road layout that better serves motorists, pedestrians and public transport users alike.”
