Work is to begin on the second phase of Kilmarnock's Town Centre Regeneration project.

A project at St Marnock Square, on the corner of Titchfield Street and St Marnock Street, which involved the demolition of the former Mothercare building, is now moving onto its second phase. A temporary grassed area, a path has been laid out to allow passers-by to begin to enjoy a green breathing space at the gateway to the pedestrian centre in King Street.

Faithful and Gould have been appointed to oversee the design and implementation of an innovative 'green space' with seating and eco-friendly planting to transform the area into a multi-purpose haven in the town centre.

Celebrate Kilmarnock also hosted the site's first ever community event 'Fair in the Square' in September which gave them an opportunity to engage with people about the plans for the site and showcase local businesses.

-- Advertisement --

The whole area will be brightened further with an imaginative mural, which will take up the gable end of the newly exposed gable end at the south end of the site.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: "It's very exciting to see this and some of our other projects starting to take shape after a long process of consultation and planning.

"As it looks just now, the site is already a welcome addition to the town centre, but once we have the final design and the mural in place we’re very confident we’ll have a fantastic new outdoor venue for all to enjoy.

"We know just how important green spaces are for cutting pollution, but having closer contact with a more natural environment and an easily accessible place to meet friends, visit a pop up event, or even just sit and watch the world go by, also helps with our mental health.

"St Marnock Square is only one of several initiatives taking shape throughout the town. All these are aimed at making “active travel” on foot, by pram, wheelchair or bicycle more easily accessible. St Marnock Square will be an important stop on the new Infinity Loop which is currently in development through East Ayrshire Leisure."