Vision of Kilmarnock's future unleashed as radical proposals unveiled for town

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A radical vision for Kilmarnock's future has been unveiled in a video proposing how the town centre could look.A modern take on the The Palace Theatre, Grand Hall and Dick Institute was laid out in a new teaser video showcasing how a multi-million pound transformation of the town's cultural quarter could look.A much-needed revamp of the Palace Theatre — the town's cultural gem — is the focal point of the makeover with the roof, drainage and frontage in need of a major overhaul to secure the historic building's future.Janice Gilmour, community and performing arts development manager for East Ayrshire Leisure said highlighted concerns about the lack of accessibility to the iconic building.Drawings showed and enlarged multi-function hall and bar (the room opposite the Grand Hall)A modern glass frontage curves round the proposed new look building and a roof terrace sits atop the new entrance.Perhaps the most intriguing plan shown in the video was a new riverside walkway in which a new path hugs the rear of the venue from London Road before cutting across the river to dead space behind Sturrock Street behind the Salvation Army.On the other side of the water, what looks like an amphitheatre An artist's impression shows what looks like an amphitheatre on the other side of the Kilmarnock Water, adjacent to the new walkway, with punters watching a video being screened on to the back of the Palace Theatre/Grand Hall building.In 2019, a report taken to councillors stated a phased approach to repair and maintenance would cost up to £8 million.An East Ayrshire Council cabinet meeting heard cash has been poured into the building over the years but major work is still needed.Problems include water penetrating the historic building and