New Leisure Facility for Ayr

Work has started to develop a new leisure centre in Ayr following on from South Ayrshire Council’s appointment of hub South West, the construction and infrastructure-focused partnership which operates along with local authorities and private sector enterprises in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

Along with Tier 1 contractor, BAM Construction, hub South West is set to begin work on the £35.5M project later in 2021. The new complex will revitalise the town centre by bringing more economic activity into the area, and will replace some of the services which are currently provided by the existing Citadel Leisure Centre located at Ayr Harbour.

Situated in the centre of Ayr, the project will create a major public building for residents of South Ayrshire. The inclusive development will enable people to be more active more often, and will target improvements to the community’s social, mental and physical wellbeing.

The new leisure centre will be on the site of the existing Arran Mall and the former Houstons department store. Dating from 1896, the historic elements of this building are set to be retained and incorporated into the new designs.

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West, said: “hub South West procured a design team, led by renowned architect Mike Lawless of LA Architects on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, to deliver a Strategic Support Services Report, a feasibility study which outlines high-level design proposals.

“As a result, hub South West, BAM and its design team have been appointed by South Ayrshire Council to develop the proposals and deliver this innovative new leisure centre for the people of Ayr.

“We have now started the process of public consultation for the project and look forward to hearing a wide range of views on the design and opinions on what this facility could do for the local community.

“This is hub South West’s second project with BAM following its appointment to the hub South West supply chain in spring 2020.

“BAM is a company highly experienced in delivering high-quality leisure projects and together we are looking forward to giving South Ayrshire residents a new facility of which they can be proud.”

Jim Ward, Regional Director of BAM, commented: “This is an imaginative project for Ayr town centre. BAM is delighted to be joining the team as its construction partner.

“We are currently engaging with all parties about the design of the new facilities before we can move on to the construction phase towards the end of the year.

“We will work with the local community in Ayrshire to create great opportunities for jobs and training from this scheme. It is exciting for us to be working with South Ayrshire Council, hub South West and a talented design team and, together, we will create a positive facility for people in Ayr.”

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