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60K views 136 replies 29 participants last post by  Steppish 
#1 ·
Curtain rises on phase two of £21m regeneration plan​
Evening Times 5th July 2011​

Showgirls took centre stage to help take the wraps off plans to rejuvenate a derelict opera house.

USA-style celebrations were held on Independence Day to mark stage two of a £21million masterplan to breathe new life into Kilmarnock town centre.

The multi-million pound makeover at the town’s New Theatre – also known as the Operetta House – in John Finnie Street will create up to 130 construction jobs.

The gap site will become 26,500sq ft of office space for up to 200 finance and IT staff with East Ayrshire Council, which has agreed to buy the building when it’s completed in September next year.

The curtains first opened at the Opera House in 1875 after it was built for just £7000. But the variety offered by Glasgow’s theatre land sounded it’s death knell and it closed in the late 1890s. It was then used as a showroom, a church, a pub and a nightclub before fire ripped through the building in 1989.

The rear of the damaged building was demolished three years ago but the historic B-listed facade has remained although in poor condition.

It will be restored and incorporated in the new offices to be built by the Klin Group, local property developers who have the cash backing of the Bank of Scotland, Historic Scotland and The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Klin chiefs are spearheading a masterplan to regenerate the centre of Kilmarnock. Stage three – the final phase –will include new retail premises, small business units for start-up companies, offices and leisure.

Negotiations are currently being held to try to bring a hotel and trendy retailers to the town to complete the regeneration scheme.

It began three years ago with the launch of a railway heritage centre and 62 serviced apartments and a commercial centre.

Marie Macklin, who heads the Klin Group, said: “The future looks great – Klin Group are passionate about this project and the start of something that will be the stimulus for the regeneration of Kilmarnock.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, also welcomed work on the opera house site.

He said: “This is great news.

“The development, including the relocation of a substantial workforce to the town centre, will increase the business of existing retailers and create demand for new retail opportunities.”

Derek MacGarvie, senior manager for commercial at the Bank of Scotland, said: “We are pleased to support the Klin Group in this latest phase of a pivotal regeneration project which will give Kilmarnock a much-needed boost in creating new construction jobs and relocating hundreds of public sector workers to the town centre.”

The launch was also attended by Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Investment. He said: “This project provides a timely boost for Kilmarnock and the Ayrshire economy.

“Much-needed jobs will be created as the regeneration of Kilmarnock’s town centre takes shape.”

 
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#3 ·
If you want to regenerate Ayrshire it's Daisycutters you need.

Pretty much the whole of Ayrshire, and lets be honest here, has been allowed to slip into an assortment of struggling towns with almost a complete loss of industry and nothing but bandit country in between. Towns that were once quiet and pleasant places to live have been filled up with the loonies that Glasgow doesn't want, over developed with cookie cutter housing schemes and fallen so far from grace it's amazing they even have a tourist industry. I remember the sign you used to see on the A737 Welcome to Ayrshire - Scotlands Holiday Country. Who wants to come here now outside of Troon and Largs?

What was the last thing Ayrshire got? The Big Idea? What a success that was, it's been left mothballed for so long now I doubt anything will ever be done with it which is a shame as it has so much potential.

Kilwinning has a demolished industrial estate, Ayr has a joke of a high street ever since that sorry excuse for a shopping centre opened (though it was going downhill for years before that), Irvine has a retail park and a dead high street and Kilmarnock? One bus or train an hour in or out and full of nutters? No ta...

Ayrshire has a long climb if it ever wants to pull itself out of the gutter it's been allowed to slip into, there's very little to attract people here which is a shame because there are still a lot of nice places to see and live in. Unfortunately nice doesn't cut it if you are living in a black hole and your nearest proper shopping and entertainment is Glasgow. The present government and councils don't seem to fussed about this by the look of things and the best we can hope for is a coal power station at Hunterston that nobody wants with a 200m chimney that will be visible for miles and ruin the last of the good views in the area (that haven't been blighted by stationary wind turbines on the hilltops).

Forgive me for my long negative rant but it really does drive me mad as a near enough lifelong resident that a once great area has been allowed to become a no-hoper...
 
#4 ·
One bus or train an hour in or out and full of nutters? No ta...
In fairness they've upgraded the line so it's two trains an hour now, but your right about the nutters and the general struggling bandit country aura. Was down at the weekend and with the hot weather the place resembled the worst kind of ramshackle, backwater, sprawling, shithole you mind find in one of those US states with funny names. I don't see it getting better without some return of industry.

Also the Valhalla music store closed (the biggest loss being the mad hippy who owns it), as did Loudoun Castle park last year, so basically the town I grew up in has died. :eek:hno:
 
#5 ·
By all accounts Loudoun is no sad loss, friend of a friend was the guy who got dragged up the rollercoaster and fell to his death a few years back. Read about a similar thing at M&D's recently as well IIRC, never did see the attraction of 'budget' and 'theme-park' in the same sentence...

It's a shame really, if they just had something more attractive than throwing yourself into oblivion for fun then a lot of these places could make something of themselves. As it is when the industries went so did self respect and motivation.
 
#7 ·
“I think this is the sort of place in which families will very much want to set up home."
Put your money where your mouth is then...

I seriously wonder about some folk, Ayrshire has villages like that in abundance that have no life, what do they realistically think this will do? On the outskirts of Cumnock no less!

A far better idea would be spending the money on regenerating what we already have rather than building something that nobody with the money (and a directly proportional degree of common sense) would want to move into.

I know I am probably being VERY unfair in my appraisal of Ayrshire here but it's something I feel strongly about, my grandfather was from Dalmellington and managed to do okay likewise my other grandfather was a shipbuilder in Clydebank and what do these places have to show for themselves today? Sod all. Only good thing to come out of that neck of the woods in my lifetime was Graeme Obree and he hated the place.

We don't need twee little villages we need jobs and half a chance...
 
#8 ·
Ugh. Prince Charles.

That pretty much sums up my feelings on this. That ain't no Poundbury, they need something to provide local employment and wellbeing... old-timey houses won't do the trick, though I don't really have anything against them. I just find it hard to believe they'll come if we build it.
 
#11 ·
Ayrshire is in a shocking state, am sure when driving through you can hear the banjos playing, the locals have even developed their own strange hick twang. If something major is not done then it wont be long until we hear storys of public stonnings and the burning of witches.
 
#14 ·
Ayrshire hotel welcomes Brad, Angelina and the kids​
Evening Times 22nd August 2011


Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are certainly putting Ayrshire on the map.

Last night stunned locals looked on as they dined out in Ayr for the second time in a week.

The couple were spotted taking their children to the Brig o’ Doon Hotel in Alloway for dinner.


Fantastic!

Does anyone know what they ate this time around?

I heard last time the whole family went for this...

Le Pudding Noir​



A local delicacy enjoyed by the Brangelina clan
 
#15 ·
Knockroon show homes completed​
Urban Realm 4th October 2011​

The first three show homes at a Prince’s Foundation master planned settlement in East Ayrshire have been completed.

Developed in collaboration with Hope Homes and ZeroC Holdings Knockroon is being touted as a “heritage led regeneration” of the area surrounding Dumfries House, purchased by the Prince of Wales in 2007.

Architects Ben Pentreath and lachie Stewart have sought to reflect the architectural tradition of Ayrshire in their plans – which are being overseen by the development director of Poundbury, Andrew Hamilton.

The first phase of development work will comprise 88 homes (of an eventual 600), 12 work units, two commercial buildings and a local shop.


 
#19 ·
Councillors reject Hunterston coal power station plans Ayrshire Power want to built a plant with experimental carbon capture and storage technology at Hunterston

Controversial proposals for a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston have been rejected by the local council.

The decision has been welcomed by environmental campaigners who are now calling on the scheme's backers, Ayrshire Power, to abandon the plans.

The firm has insisted it will fight on. More than 20,000 objections had been lodged with North Ayrshire Council.

There will now be a public inquiry before a final decision is made by the Scottish government.

Ayrshire Power, which is owned by Peel Energy, wants to build a plant with experimental carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at the site.

Public feeling

It has argued the coal-fired power station would represent a major economic opportunity for Scotland and would help fill a predicted shortfall in the UK's generating capacity.

The company plans to use CCS technology to minimise the station's greenhouse gas emissions and said it would be easier to develop this technology at a brand new facility.

Councillors in North Ayrshire agreed to formally object to the proposals on the basis that the new facility was contrary to various local and national planning policies.

Council leader, David O'Neill, said the region was in urgent need of new jobs but "not at any cost".

He added: "We have the highest unemployment rate in Scotland and appreciate that a new power station at Hunterston would create new jobs. However, we cannot ignore the adverse impact this development could have on the area.

"Councillors recognised the strength of public feeling on the plans and expressed concern that the facility would not capture 100% of carbon emissions from day one.

"They also highlighted the lack of sufficient information on the impact on human health and the effects the development would have on the local environment."

The proposed facility would replace the existing power station at Hunterston Ayrshire Power said it was disappointed at the council's decision but remained "determined" to progress the application through the planning process.

Mike Claydon, from the company, said: "The Ayrshire Power project represents a significant economic opportunity for Scotland and, in particular, for North Ayrshire, and would attract in excess of £3bn of investment, delivering hundreds of new jobs for the region and a range of other economic benefits.

"The successful development of carbon capture and storage technology at Hunterston would enable Scotland to lead the world in the deployment of this essential capability and to secure the economic benefits that would result from it."

He added: "We remain 100% committed to delivering this project and we believe it is essential to ensuring the security of Scotland's future energy supply."

Campaigners have said the proposals make a mockery of Scotland's climate change targets and have raised concerns that a new power station would damage local wildlife and have an adverse impact on public health.

A coalition of environment, social justice and faith groups opposed to the development welcomed the council's decision.

Aedán Smith from RSPB Scotland said he hoped the company behind the plans would now drop the proposal.

He added: "If they don't, we're prepared to keep fighting them right through a public inquiry until the plans are rejected."

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland said: "It's great news that the voices of the 21,000 people who objected to this climate-wrecking proposal have been heard by councillors. This was the wrong scheme in the wrong place.

"If the company have any sense they will cut their losses and walk away from this proposal, rather than fight a bitter, lengthy and expensive public inquiry over Scotland's most unpopular planning application."

Stan Blackley from Friends of the Earth Scotland added: "This vote should serve as another nail in the coffin for Peel's disastrous development.

"It's time to move away from burning fossil fuels, and it's time the people of North Ayrshire stopped having unwanted polluting industry dumped on their doorstep."


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15663764http://www.porn.mob
 
#20 ·
I severely doubt if the 100% renewables target can be met by 2020 (or that we can even come close to it) so this scheme or something like it will probably be in constrution in ten years or so regardless of the outcome today, otherwise we'll end up with an energy gap in the middle of the next decade.
 
#21 ·
I severely doubt if the 100% renewables target can be met by 2020 (or that we can even come close to it) so this scheme or something like it will probably be in constrution in ten years or so regardless of the outcome today, otherwise we'll end up with an energy gap in the middle of the next decade.

There are two nuclear stations next door with the land already owned (with the relevant planning in place) by EDF for a third. Compared to the proposed coal plant the environmental impact would be massively reduced by an EPR and local opinion would probably sway in favour of nuclear over coal.

It's a moot point given the current administration but worth considering nontheless.
 
#23 ·
Where there’s a weir there’s a way​
The Scotsman 28th November 2011​

A FEAT of Georgian engineering constructed to power a cotton mill is to be restored to its former glory and turned into a tourist attraction.

The network of reservoirs and a weir in the Ayrshire village of Catrine, built in 1787, was once the largest power scheme in the world. However, the entire structure has started to deteriorate, with sections of the weir at risk of being washed down the river.

The Heritage Lottery Fund will announce today that it is giving £660,000 towards a £4 million project to revamp the feature, which is designated as a scheduled monument.

It consists of a weir, five reservoirs known as the Catrine Voes, a sluice gate and a fish pass.

The system is an integral part of the history of Catrine, which began life in 1787 when Claude Alexander and David Dale, from New Lanark, saw the potential of the natural resources and built a water-powered cotton mill there. The village was laid out with the industrial buildings forming the centrepiece of the main square, and houses built for the workers. It is a substantially intact example of Georgian “town planning” and an outstanding conservation area with 51 listed structures.

In 1828, two giant water wheels, 50ft in diameter, were added to the power system to service the additional demands of the mill. Known as the “Lions of Catrine”, the wheels were for many years the most powerful in the world and became a tourist attraction in their own right.

The Heritage Lottery funding will contribute to a project to conserve the weir, upgrade a disused chapel to create a visitor centre and turn an adjoining Victorian villa into a new Community Enterprise Centre.

 
#24 ·
Dark Sky Observatory work under way in Dalmellington​
BBC News 27th January 2012


Work is getting under way on a Dark Sky Observatory at the Galloway Forest Park in south west Scotland.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing is taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony at Dalmellington in Ayrshire.

The new facility, which has received £94,000 in funding from the Scottish government, will be used by schools, colleges and universities.

Ministers say they also hope to capitalise on the recent popularity of the BBC's Stargazing Live programme.

The Galloway Forest Park straddles the regions of Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

It received Dark Sky Park recognition in 2009, and is the only such site in Britain.

The new observatory aims to build on the park's status and will offer visitors a chance to observe the Northern Lights, the Milky Way, planets, comets and shooting stars.

 
#25 ·
Staff and students settle into RMJM’s Ayr campus​
Urban Realm 21st February 2012​

A £70m campus for the University of the West of Scotland has provided Ayrshire with one of the UK’s most sustainable Higher Education environments.

The 18,000sq/m campus takes the form of a four storey pavilion clad in ceramic granite, timber and copper and is set within its own woodland grounds, complete with riverside walkway and cycle paths.

Inside the building will accommodate lecture theatres, a library, performance suites, broadcasting studios, laboratories, refectory, sports hall and student union – all under one roof.

 
#28 ·
Irvine Magnum Centre replacement unveiled

Urban Realm 10th September 2012​

North Ayrshire Council has announced plans to replace Irvine’s Magnum Leisure Centre with a new £17.3m replacement as the centrepiece of its town centre renewal plan.

Situated on Irvine's East Road the new Centre is intended to act as a catalyst for regeneration of the B listed Town House - according to a design statement.

North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, Councillor Alan Hill, said: “The Council approved the closure of the Magnum Leisure Centre in 2009 after a decline in user numbers.

“The Magnum was built in 1975 as a regional facility and attracted visitors from all over Scotland for many years. However, for the past decade or so, the Magnum has been mainly used by local Irvine residents. The Magnum incurs high running costs due to its age and often operates well under capacity.”

Designs for the new Centre will be considered later in the year ahead of a full planning application being submitted.

The new 25m, six lane pool will incorporate a fitness suite, café and indoor sports halls and complements ongoing Bridgegate public realm works, a refurbishment of Irvine Church, refurbishment of Bridgegate House and development of a new sport and leisure centre.

Subject to the necessary approvals the Centre could be completed by 2014.

 
#29 ·
Current site: https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=u...=uk&ei=Wg9OUM6gAtSX0QXjsIGgBA&ved=0CCEQ8gEwAA

Looks like a good location but it's a shame that the Magnum can't be retained but that end of "town" has been dead for years, I just hope it gets demolished sooner rather than later and not allowed to just sit and rot. Shame to lose the ice rink as well, I'm surprised more can't be done considering it's now the only rink and leisure pool on the west coast. Shutting the place down for a sequential refit would surely bring back the numbers especially given its good transport links? I even remember it being used as a gig venue...
 
#30 ·
http://www.sdi.co.uk/news/2012/10/new-offshore-wind-test-centre-launched-in-west-scotland.aspx

New offshore wind test centre launched in Scotland

A new offshore wind turbine test centre capable of hosting three full scale wind turbines designed for offshore deployment was launched today in North Ayrshire on the West Coast of Scotland.

The test centre, which is the first of its kind in the UK, will be located at the port of Hunterston on the coast of North Ayrshire, a site already earmarked for potential renewables supply chain development in Scotland’s National Renewables Infrastructure Plan.

Hunterston’s wind resource, which replicates offshore conditions, coupled with its existing grid connection - make it an ideal site for the testing facility which has a key role in developing Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.

The advantage of testing turbines on land is that it permits the manufacturer 24 hour access to make modifications and repairs, which is critical particularly for early series prototype turbines.

First Minister Alex Salmond, who launched the fund at the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference, said: “As the global wind industry looks further offshore, towards the deeper waters of the world’s seas and oceans, Scotland is ideally-placed to become a key hub for the design, development and deployment of next-generation turbine technologies.”

Scotland’s economic body, Scottish Enterprise, is investing £4.3 million from the National Rewnewables Infrastructure Fund in a join venture with Scottish and Southern Energy.

SSE will work with its supply chain partners Siemens and Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe to test their latest turbine technology on two of the berths. The third berth will be operated by Scottish Enterprise and will be leased to a turbine manufacturer which has firm plans to invest in the Scottish off-shore wind supply chain

The National Rewnewables Infrastructure Fund was established to support the development of port and near-port manufacturing locations for offshore wind turbines and related developments including test and demonstration activity, with the overall aim of stimulating an offshore wind supply chain in Scotland.

Civil work will start on the site this autumn - the first turbines are expected to be erected by late 2013.
 
#31 ·
Are Kindles good value for pupils?

A former Largs Academy teacher has questioned the move to purchase Kindles for school pupils at a time of severe budget cuts.

Conservative councillor Tom Marshall told the 'News' he was surprised that the Scottish Government could spend £30,000 on a pilot programme to introduce Kindles to Irvine Royal Academy, with the eventul plan to roll it out across North Ayrshire.

The Kindle programme is a pilot one financed by the Scottish Government's Public Library Excellence Fund. This is being piloted with a view to rolling it out to other schools. Meanwhile, over £640,000 has been spent overall on the computer tablets, and other gadgets for pupils in schools throughout North Ayrshire.

Cllr. Marshall said: "One is surprised when North Ayrshire Council is about to consider cuts to its existing education budget. Is this a good way to spend the taxpayers money? There are pros and cons for such electronic hardware - just as when I was a mathematics teacher there were pros and cons for allowing early year pupils to use calculators before they had a firm grasp of numeracy.

However the majority SNP group at NAC argue that the Kindle programme will actually save money in the long run due to printed materials being cut back. Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Education said: "The importance of computer technology in modern education is widely accepted and we are absolutely committed to investing in our children's future.

"Earlier this year, the council agreed to a significant investment in ICT equipment across our schools, libraries, museums and community learning programmes. In schools this investment includes, PCs, laptops, iPads, iMacs, smartboards and projectors."

http://www.largsandmillportnews.com.../05/439086-are-kindles-good-value-for-pupils/
I must say I totally support the SNP on this one, it's the future and early adoption can only be a good thing. Academic books are bloody expensive so I'm sure the cost of the readers will easily be offset by the savings in textbooks. It also means up to date textbooks are easily accessible as well as non copyrighted or open licence works being freely available to teachers and pupils.
 
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