South Ayrshire Council has announced work is underway to appoint a replacement contractor to develop a new £1.5m golf clubhouse.

A new contractor is being sought after the council took the decision to terminate T & A Kernoghan's contract due to an 'unacceptable performance' which resulted in delays to the project.

The clubhouse will be located in Ayr's Belleisle Park and was due for completion in March this year.

Despite a revised completion date being agreed of June 2015 and two 'determination notices' being issued to the contractor in May and July 2015, the council remained dissatisfied with the lack of progress.

A 'mini-tender' exercise is now being undertaken to appoint the new contractor.

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Contact has been made with the bidders that submitted tenders for the original contract to confirm interest in negotiating the projects completion.

Negotiations are ongoing with two Ayrshire-based companies that have indicated a willingness to complete the project.

It is expected the new contractor will be at work on site around the end of September, with the clubhouse completed around March 2016.

Councillor Bill Grant said: "It's extremely disappointing that it's come to this but, despite some progress being made and labour levels being increased in response to the first determination notice, we've not seen any change in response to the second notice. Decisive action – in line with the necessary contractual obligations and timescales – was our only way forward.

"Our focus now is to turn this situation around as quickly as possible, get work underway and get this clubhouse up and running and delivering the quality off-course facilities our golfers and visitors deserve."

The new facility will include a modern changing accommodation, a new golf professional shop, a large modern cafe bar, new starter facilities, club rooms, lounge area and a golf simulator room.

(LM)