First steps taken in redevelopment of Ayr's former Hourstons site as building consent proposals submitted

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An Ayr-based architectural firm has taken the first steps on the journey to transform the famous Hourstons building in Alloway Street.LMA Architects, based in Wellington Square, has submitted a planning application, seeking Listed Building Consent and the green light to partially demolish the building - but save its facade.The aim is preserve the main elevations of the building and clear the way for a wider redevelopment at the site, which as been earmarked as a future £30m ‘Care Village.’But the architects have warned that the site is in a state of “serious disrepair” and “fragile.”In their design and conservation support document they said: “The Hourstons Building has been derelict since early 2019.

Due to the fragile condition of the original part of the building, an LBC (Listed Building Consent) and Planning Approval for demolishing over 80 per cent of it, and retaining the shell of the original building was granted in 2021, as part of a scheme for a new leisure centre on the site.“This scheme was abandoned, and in the interim period the building has fallen into further serious disrepair.

Water penetration, ingress, break-ins and vandalism have led to dilapidation of its fabric.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.“The floors have become depressed in areas, ceilings have collapsed, and it is currently deemed unsafe to enter for surveys and inspections, due to