Ashleigh Construction has started work to build a new visitor hub at the Belleisle Estate in Ayr.

The £1.4 million scheme involves transforming the derelict stables into a new 'Arrival Hub' featuingflexible community space, a café, facilities for Park Rangers, and visitor toilets.

In addition to being powered by a biomass boiler, the building will use reclaimed stone and glass to provide a visual transition between Belleisle House, Belleisle Golf Course and the estate's wider environment.

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Work is scheduled for completion by November this year.

Cllr Ian Cochrane said: "We've seen fantastic improvements at Belleisle in recent years and the new visitor centre will create a focal point for the huge number of people that are already coming to enjoy the estate.

"With major projects already completed including the Conservatory, walled Garden, play area, and major improvements to the footpaths and wildlife and fauna within the park we're looking forward to seeing the stables rise to become a much loved community asset.

"In the next few months we'll see the visitor centre take shape with people able to enjoy the new facility by the end of the year. After that the last major piece of work involves restoration to the entrance after which we'll be left with an estate which is well and truly back to its best."

(LM/MH)