Six new flats are to be created above the former Clinton Cards and Game shops in Ayr High Street.
The proposals for the new homes, on the first and second floors of the Listed building, have been approved by South Ayrshire Council’s Planning Department.
Behind the plans are building owners Union Technical Services Ltd, based in Thornliebank and their agents in the redevelopment are Ayr-based firm LMA Architects.
They sought permission for Listed Building consent to make “alterations, refurbish and a change the use” on the first and second floor levels to form the new flats.
In their design statement LMA Architects vowed that, in the long term the flats, which are all one-bedroom, “will become” part of the affordable housing stock of South Ayrshire Council.
The statement goes on: “The access to the new flats on the upper floors will be via the existing door at ground floor level off Kirk Port into the existing rear staircase.
“The external doors will be replaced, and the ground floor entrance area will be upgraded.
“New lobbies will be formed at the first and second floor level which will lead to the front doors of each flat.”
The architects also claim that the proposals will bring the properties "back into their former use," by “upgrading and enhancing” the existing properties, the proposals “will improve” the area’s "character and appearance" and also provide “high quality,” character residential flats.
The report adds: “The development will provide short term economic growth in the area during the refurbishment and reinstatement works.
“It would be intended to utilise local labour as much as possible for the construction.
“More long term, the proposals will encourage people to live in the area and contribute to the local economy, the flats will become part of the affordable housing stock of South Ayrshire Council.”
The site lies between Fish Cross and the junction of the High Street and Carrick Street.
On the north side of the property, the Kirk Port lane leads from the High Street to The Auld Kirk of Ayr.
A council report said: “The proposed alterations are relatively minor and will facilitate the re-use of the premises. It is recommended that the application be approved.”
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