A £90k fund to enhance the appearance of Kilmarnock Town Centre and contribute to its physical and economic regeneration, has been approved by the Cabinet.

The issue regarding town centre vacancies is not new for East Ayrshire.

Kilmarnock, like many other towns, has suffered from the impact of out-of-town shopping centres, the economic downturn and the increased popularity of online retailing.

According to the Council, vacancy levels in Kilmarnock are currently around 21% but plans outlined to Cabinet will seek to build on existing investment and to further enhance the town centre's physical appearance through a series of complementary projects.

Under the proposals, billposting, obsolete fascia boards and letting signs will be removed from a number of vacant units. These units will also benefit from the addition of attractive and eye-catching window graphics promoting alternative uses for the space and creating the allusion that the units are occupied. Where possible, letting information will be incorporated into the design of the graphic therefore reducing the number of unsightly and often damaged 'To Let' boards blighting the town centre.

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Two vacant sites will be earmarked for use by local schools, as an extension to the Council's commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in local schools. Building on the success of the pop up shop operated by Grange Academy in 2011, it is hoped that schools will use this as an opportunity to promote and sell the products and services they develop as part of the Enterprise in Education agenda.

The concept of pop-up spaces will also be progressed as part of the ambitious plans. Pop up spaces involve the temporary use of vacancy premises for retail, business, arts or events purposes, bringing in benefits for temporary tenants, landlords and the local community. In Kilmarnock it is hoped that pop up space can provide a low risk opportunity for fledgling businesses to trial retail or office accommodation.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, said: "I welcome the opportunity to explore a more creative and attractive marketing solution to help tackle the problems we face on our high street.

"With the support of agents and landlords these proposals will help to breathe new life into the streets of Kilmarnock and will instantly transform their appearance. In common with all high streets across the country we have our share of To Let signs and vacant shops but this campaign will go some way to make our streets more attractive."

(JP/CD)