Demolition contractor George Beattie Ltd has started work to redevelop Ayr's historic town centre as part of a major regeneration project.

The company has started preparing a number of buildings on the town's High Street for demolition as part of the construction of a new Riverside Block.

The 40-week contract, which includes provision for archaeological investigations to be carried out by Rathmell Archaeology, involves the removal of all internal fixtures and fittings, followed by the demolition of all structures with the removal of all debris off site.

Once the buildings are cleared a series of trenches will be dug across the site to allow further investigation, ensuring anything of archaeological interest is identified and recorded.

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Since 2013, Ayr Renaissance has been purchasing the properties on the Riverside block - the area of vacant properties around the former Woolworths building. This process was completed in 2016 and a 'masterplan' for its redevelopment formed, which was approved by the council last week.

James Knox, Chair of Ayr Renaissance said: "We've waited a long time for this day, and I am delighted to see the contractor on site, beginning the preparations for demolition within hours of South Ayrshire Council granting planning consent.

"This is a very complex site to work on; however, we are determined to make progress as fast as possibly so the people of Ayr will see the river from the High Street for the first time in generations.

"We're very excited at the prospect of an archaeological dig which will explore this historic part of Ayr that has lain under concrete for many years."

Council Leader Bill McIntosh added: "With the hoardings up and work now getting underway I'm proud to be here to mark the first significant milestone for this ambitious project.

"These positive steps will pave the way to a bustling new quarter in Ayr's historic town centre, breathing new life into the area and bringing people back to the riverside."

(LM/MH)