Furious objectors have slammed Ayr’s riverside development that took seven years to plan calling it ‘underwhelming’.
Critics have spoken out after getting a first glimpse of the new indoor events which is nearing completion.
Ayrshire Live told last week how South Ayrshire Council released a ‘sneak peak’ of the new Public Realm Space, with council chiefs teasing an open date for the end of February.
But we can reveal that council chiefs have remained tight lipped on the cost their new project, with bosses refusing to reveal the numbers behind the new pavilion and outdoor space.
Pictures show the an aerial view of the pavilion and a view from inside the building which is set to be used as a multi-purpose events space, that could will host concerts, markets and other events.
The project is seven years in the making after almost a decade of debate led to historic buildings being bulldozed to the ground.
That move led to an angry backlash from heritage protectors in the town who campaigned to halt plans.
Now with the final touches set to be added, those objectors have spoken out.
Ex-community council leader and former architect Norman McLean said: “I’m totally underwhelmed by it.
“There is nothing there of any civic stature or even excitement.
“It’s a single storey flat roof building on one of the most important sites of the town.
“It’s already the view of many people.
“It was all very well for the council to pull ideas out of the air but there is no substance to it.”
Michael Hitchon, President of Kyle and Carrick Civic Society previously told he was ‘alarmed’ at the developments.
Now he fears the project has ripped apart the ‘medieval heart of Ayr’.
Michael told Ayrshire Live: “It’s a lost opportunity, they did some archaeology there, that could have formed the garden space to allow others to learn about the history.
“The opportunity for housing and regenerating the town centre was lost.
“It is the result of a series of sad decisions.”
Council chiefs have defended the pavilion and insist it will provide a space for "relaxation and interaction with the river," and the that the facility will help offer a space to showcase local art.
The local authority says that 62 per cent of respondents agreed with the idea of creating a public space on the site.
A Council spokesperson said: "Following the demolition of the existing shop units on the riverside block, it became apparent that there was an appetite to retain the openness of the area and the links subsequently created between the high street and the river.
"This was further reinforced during the Ayr Your Views public consultation held at the end of 2018 when 62% of respondents agreed with the idea of creating a public space on the site that could be used by the community and for events."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
