October 23 2023

Ayrshire Housing has completed a purpose-built lifetime living apartment block in the heart of Ayr town centre to complement ongoing regeneration around the Gaiety Theatre.

Modelled on a traditional almshouse the courtyard block by ARPL Architects arranges 31 flats for social rent around a private courtyard and includes three rooftop gardens.

The dramatic main entrance frames views along Boswell Park by strategically opening up the robust perimeter walls.

The £7m development was delivered by the JR Group and incorporates an on-site care unit, operated by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

At a naming ceremony, the development at 29 Carrick Street was titled Beattie Close in honour of actor and comedian Johnny Beattie.

7 Comments

#1 Posted by modernish on 23 Oct 2023 at 10:58 AM

I'll just come straight out and say it, it looks like a prison...and not the nice friendly ones they build nowadays. Oh no, a proper old school victorian prison. Heaven help the poor souls who end up there

#2 Posted by Hairy Hipster on 23 Oct 2023 at 12:12 PM

My word. that is grim.

#3 Posted by James Hepburn on 23 Oct 2023 at 13:34 PM

Positively dystopian.

#4 Posted by Auntie Nairn on 23 Oct 2023 at 20:22 PM

The 'outside' elevations are a bit less grim with some depth to the perimeter wall, but that courtyard is very poor.

#5 Posted by HMR on 25 Oct 2023 at 08:46 AM

HMP Ayr

#6 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 25 Oct 2023 at 09:24 AM

I think comments suggesting this looks like a prison are harsh. I'm getting more of a multi-story carpark vibe.

#7 Posted by Rankielass on 2 Nov 2023 at 08:52 AM

At least it's in the town centre and affordable housing.

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