An historic town hall in South Ayrshire is set to benefit from a million pound facelift, helping to preserve it for future generations.
Work will start later this month on the refurbishment of Maybole Town Hall, whose iconic tower is believed to originate from the 1500s.
The project will see major enhancements to the building, including a new roof for the tower and repairs also carried out to the masonry.
A new accessible entrance will be added to the north side, returning that part of the building to its former Victorian grandeur.
The car park will also be completely resurfaced, while inside the building the kitchen will move to the main hall and the heating and lighting will be modernised along with the electrics.
Plans for the Maybole Town Hall project have been realised thanks to funding of £1.2 million, including nearly £580,000 from the Scottish Government. Other key funders include South Ayrshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Heritage Lottery.
The town’s high street is also set to receive another boost thanks to the North Carrick Community Benefit Company, who 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, thanked those who have supported the projects and 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.
“The next step is to look forward to the Active Travel project being approved by Sustrans which will make sure the high street is accessible to residents and visitors alike.”
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