Troon’s new railway station looks set to reflect the town’s iconic old one which was destroyed by a fire.
Three designs have been revealed to the public at the Walker Hall – with two proposals a nod back to the historic Victorian era building.
Station bosses Network Rail launched their bid to replace the town’s fire-ravaged station at a public drop-in on Wednesday night.
Residents lined up to view proposals and were delighted to see plans echoed the past.
Chiefs finally revealed their plans 13 months on from the devastating fire which also gutted two businesses that were part of the transport hub.
Plans also delved into how the new station could shape internally with Network Rail keen to make more use of the space.
A community hub and retail space are included in plans, as well as toilets.
Troon MP Philippa Whitford says she was happy with the results after fearing for the future of the station.
The SNP MP for Central Ayrshire told Ayrshire Live: “I was really pleased with the appearance of two of the designs.
“I was always anxious to see what kind of replacement we might end up with. I feared we could be left with Portakabins for some time.
“Option one and option two certainly have the appearance of the original station.
“There were fake chimneys on option one which could be at risk of being damaged in the wind the way the weather is in Troon.
“Option two was really good. It has a roofline and the feel of the original building. Option three is not going to be popular, it's a very modern look and I am all for modern buildings just not here.
“I think option two would be what most people would want.”
Former station master, Brian Muir who spent 24 years at the helm at Troon, also viewed the proposals.
Brian said: "Option two would get my vote. I wouldn't go for option three. The new station has to be as close to the old one as much as possible."
The race is now on for Network Rail chiefs to get the station ready for The Open golf championship hitting Royal Troon in 2024.
And Ms Whitford understands the rail giant see the return of golf’s flagship event as a "hard deadline".
It is understood they hope to lay the first bricks of the new platform one building, including a ticket office and toilets, by next spring.
They believe the project could take 14 months to complete but Troon councillor Craig Mackay fears they could be "cutting it fine".
The SNP politician said: “They are looking to get planning permission next spring, then it will take 14 months from them to construct.
“That is not leaving a lot of wiggle room there. It is cutting it fine. They need to factor in any issues with supplying materials or taking delays.”
The public are now set to be asked to choose their preferred proposal at a later date.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are delighted with the attendance at the community drop-in and the level of interest in not just the concept designs, but the future of the station as an asset for the community."
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