Plans have been submitted for a major transformation project in Ayr.

Ayr Renaissance, a council-funded company set up to lead its regeneration strategy, has drawn up a 'masterplan' to redevelop Ary's riverside area.

Plans involve redeveloping the Riverside Block between the medieval "Auld Brig" and the Victorian "New Bridge". Proposals include demolishing retail stores which have blocked access to the river since the 1960s and creating landscaped public realm as well as a festival building and a new waterfront.

The mixed-use development would also feature office accommodation and housing as well as space for niche retail units, cafes, restaurants and spaces for public engagement.

Traditional vennels will open up informal pedestrian connections throughout the Riverside Block site from all directions, while the River Ayr Walk would continue across the site, running along the river to the sea.

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The plan also include redeveloping the north shore, which would be re-landscaped as part of the framing of a new River Square, with the potential to become a focal point for festivities and events.

Architect Niall McLaughlin has helped design the proposals, as well as world renowned land artist Charles Jencks.

Chairman of Ayr Renaissance, James Knox, said, "The balance of the development depends on the added value created by the quality of the architecture, the welcome to the public afforded by the originality and openness of the plan and the content of the public realm. Getting these right is the key to unlocking long-term regeneration of the town centre for generations to come.

"This brilliant masterplan offers a once in a generation opportunity to bring back bustle, business and public enjoyment to the heart of Ayr. Decades of blight could be swept away, views of the Auld Brig and the Town Hall revealed, with the riverside site in line to become a magnet for the local community and visitors alike."

Tenders for the demolition of most of the riverside block have been issued to ensure a start can be made on site, pending necessary consents.

The application is to be considered by the council in early 2017. If approved, existing buildings would be levelled, with an archaeological dig to follow across the whole site.

(LM/MH)