Blundering council chiefs will look to fill Ayr's ghost tower with flats fit for the modern age.
We told earlier this year how South Ayrshire bosses hope to repurpose the white elephant block - initially for the use of Ukrainian refugees.
But beyond that project, officials now want to put the skyscraper back into long term use with homes overlooking the River Ayr.
It comes as lengthy talks remain ongoing with the Scottish Government in a bid to win funding for the Ukrainian scheme.
We told in January how South Ayrshire officials had been forced to go cap in hand to Holyrood to try and secure rescue cash.
It followed the news that the council - despite approving demolition of all three tower blocks - never had permission to do so.
A long standing contract with telecoms giant EE for phone masts on top of the last tower had prevented its removal.
Developers have been forced to scale back their original plans for new social housing on the site.
A total of 75 homes now will be built in the shadow of the empty tower - rather than the 96 originally planned.
Council bosses are braced for a substantial costs to bring the block back into use, even if they land Government subsidies for the Ukraine resettlement scheme.
This week, South Ayrshire officials confirmed they remain in talks over potential funding to save the site from being mothballed.
A spokesperson said: "The council is in discussion with the Scottish Government regarding this block to see if it can be repurposed to initially house Ukrainian Nationals.
"It would then revert back to housing stock. This would involve a refit to provide modern, energy efficient dwellings.
"Initial discussions have taken place with the Scottish Government and we are meeting again shortly to review and finalise our application for funding.
"The level of funding available has yet to be determined."
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