An official re-opening at Ayrshire’s biggest and best arts and entertainment centre has marked the completion of extensive external works.

The launch event marks the culmination of over five years of improvement works to the building, which has seen East Ayrshire Council and partners at Creative Scotland invest over £3.8M in making this the most important arts and entertainment venue in the region.

The Palace and Grand Hall is a Grade A listed building, built at the turn of the century and is one of Kilmarnock’s finest landmarks. It has now been fully restored, including extensive roof and stonework repairs and will be fit for purpose for the next 100 years.

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Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: "The building now really looks fantastic and is in a condition that is worthy of its importance in the town. The new lighting scheme will further draw attention to its fine architecture and ensure that it is visible in the evening hours.

"We have an enviable reputation for supporting the arts and this building highlights this commitment. By placing culture at the centre of the regeneration of Kilmarnock and our towns, it will help to make our region a better place to live, work and visit."

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: "The extensive restoration of the Palace Theatre highlights once again our commitment to the regeneration of Kilmarnock town centre. The theatre is one of our finest landmarks and the new lighting really highlights its impressive architecture.

"As we continue to regenerate our town centre more and more people are visiting our varied leisure attractions and are finding out what we already know, Kilmarnock is a great town to work, live and shop."

(GK)