Plans have been unveiled to relocate Ayrshire's Archives Centre to Ayr Academy.

The building is currently undergoing an £11.6 million renovation project to become the new home of Ayr Grammar by autumn 2019.

As well as developing nursery and community facilities, proposals have been put forward which will see the Ayrshire Archives Centre operate as part of the project linking the school with South Harbour Street.

Councillors will review the plans and costs for the proposed scheme this October. Delivery partner SWHub will begin drawing up designs for the scheme, together with detailed surveys to provide a layout and costs for the inclusion of the Ayrshire Archives Centre. Further discussions will also take place with Planning and Historic Environment Scotland.

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Cllr Peter Henderson said: "Bringing the Ayrshire Archives Centre into the heart of Ayr makes a lot of sense. We want more people to have access to Ayrshire's rich and colourful history and it would also mean important artworks could be viewed more easily.

"The main initiative is the new Ayr Grammar, but this is very much a community project and the archives would ensure the wider public can make the most of the revitalised iconic building too.

"We need to explore public access regarding the school, but separate entrances have already been discussed. There will be ongoing consultation to ensure we capture all views, as no final decision has been made."

(LM)