New Events Space for Ayr High Street

This is an archived article from 3 March 2023. 

A new events area in the heart of Ayr town centre has been officially unveiled!

The dedicated space which sits beside the river Ayr at the bottom of the high street will be used to celebrate local art, history and culture and also features a sleek new community building.

£5m was spent on the project which included the demolition of 8-10 high street, site clearance, rebuilding of the historic quay wall, extensive landscaping, and construction of the new community building.

Children at the nearby Ayr Grammar, took part in a competition to name the community building. P6 pupil, Esme Noble, won with the name 'The Cutty-Sark Centre'.

Esme was on hand to see signage which has been added to the front of the building.

She said: "When I heard that I had won the competition I was shocked and happy. It feels really good to know that I have named a building in Ayr. I had been to Rozelle and saw the paintings that tell the story of Tam 'O Shanter. Next day in class we were thinking about our ideas for the competition. I remembered the Cutty-Sark, which was the witch's nightie, and thought that was a great name."

Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "The new space including The Cutty-Sark Centre, will support a programme of events throughout the year, such as pop-up markets. Now that the project is complete, we can secure the various licences required to make that happen."

Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder for the Council said: "From the consultation in 2018, it was clear that the public wanted a space which could host a range of events and we have realised that ambition. I have no doubt it will breathe new life into this part of the high street and draw people back into the centre of Ayr."

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder said: "Congratulations to Esme for winning the competition, and for using Robert Burns as her inspiration. The construction project has also given young people at Ayrshire College the chance the learn new skills. The riverside location is ideal for this events space, and it will surely help to transform the high street."

Michael Ross, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Councils development partner hub South West said: "We are delighted to have played our part in delivering this fantastic facility and add to a long line of successful projects we have completed for South Ayrshire Council. This project enabled us to further our skills agenda with our partnership with Ayrshire College, along with our focus on economic development, and community investment."