Ambitious Ayr Riverside masterplan unveiled
November 22 2016
The Riverside Block has been devised by Niall McLaughlin Architects to sit between the medieval ‘Auld Brig’ and Victorian ‘New Bridge’, removing a number of large retail sheds which block access to the river with a new area of public realm and a festival building.
The masterplan makes provision for a range of uses including office space, retail, cafes, restaurants and open space using quality materials, which marry with historic buildings – including new vistas of the town hall from new vennels.
Chairman of Ayr Renaissance, James Knox, said, “The balance of the development depends on the added value created by the quality of the architecture, the welcome to the public afforded by the originality and openness of the plan and the content of the public realm. Getting these right is the key to unlocking long-term regeneration of the town centre for generations to come.”
Over the longer term it is hoped to extend the River Ayr walk to the sea with the intention of creating a new events space flanked by the town’s two main bridges.
A planning application is expected early next year which, if approved, will enable demolition works to commence alongside an archaeological dig.
The present condition of the site leaves much to be desired
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8 Comments
#1 Posted by Fraser on 22 Nov 2016 at 21:03 PM
Seems to be very promising. Great to see them getting Niall McLaughlin Architects. Wish Glasgow could have a similar initiative on a much larger scale
#2 Posted by A Local Pleb on 22 Nov 2016 at 22:56 PM
It is great that moves are afoot to redevelop the river front, it offers great potential. That said the proposals shown are awful, it is reminiscent of something from the 1980's. I would despair if this was replicated in Glasgow. Come on Ayr Renaissance the town deserves something much better!
#3 Posted by Ian Alexander on 22 Nov 2016 at 23:31 PM
Looks really impressive, almost continental, but will there be the courage to carry through with this type of project or will it end up being much more 'conservative'
#4 Posted by Billy on 22 Nov 2016 at 23:43 PM
What an improvement. Agree with #1. If only Glasgow could be more selective in what is approved. We can only hope.
#5 Posted by Dave on 23 Nov 2016 at 02:14 AM
South Ayrshire Council... master plan... I think I wee'd myself a little there...
In all seriousness that looks like something even GCC would be ashamed of. The present blocks ARE crap but nothing compared to the festering sore behind them that is the High Street. That SAC killed with their stupid vanity project up at the station. And Heathfield. And the site where the old Safeway was. There is no reason to go there. None at all. Not unless you like second hand or pawn shops.
In all seriousness that looks like something even GCC would be ashamed of. The present blocks ARE crap but nothing compared to the festering sore behind them that is the High Street. That SAC killed with their stupid vanity project up at the station. And Heathfield. And the site where the old Safeway was. There is no reason to go there. None at all. Not unless you like second hand or pawn shops.
#6 Posted by basho on 23 Nov 2016 at 12:25 PM
Surprised by some of the negative comments on here. Looks pretty good in a glowing, spangly sort of a way - definitely better than the miserable non-space that's currently there.
Whether it ever sees the light of day is another thing.
Whether it ever sees the light of day is another thing.
#7 Posted by George on 23 Nov 2016 at 13:53 PM
Looks better than anything currently sitting on the banks of the Clyde. Fully agree with #1, why oh why can't Glasgow take advantage of its main asset and have a sensible joined-up masterplan for developing the riverfront.
GCC always talk about Glasgow competing internationally but I can't think of any other reasonable city that turns its back on the river in the way Glasgow does...
GCC always talk about Glasgow competing internationally but I can't think of any other reasonable city that turns its back on the river in the way Glasgow does...
#8 Posted by Johnathan Grier on 7 Dec 2016 at 00:42 AM
Level the bottom of the town make it a big car park do some nice benches and water fountain feature down there and let cars down the high street again. Or maybe thats just too sensible for you?
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