South Ayrshire Council has announced funding of £417,000 for four 'early win' projects to help with the regeneration of Ayr Town Centre.

The projects form part of the Ayr Town Centre Framework which aims to transform the heart of the town over the next 10 years.

The first project to be announced is the development of a Shop Front Improvement Scheme. This will see funding of £222,000 made available to eligible business and property owners, as well as tenants, to help them spruce up their shop fronts.

The second scheme will help Merlin Cinemas Limited with the refurbishment of their new cinema - Astoria Ayr. £70,000 will help with the cost of external refurbishment at the former Odeon Cinema.

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Thirdly, businesses and traders on Newmarket Street in Ayr will be able to improve branding/signage, urban dressing, and lighting thanks to grant funding of £90,000. The activities, which will help revamp the much-loved street, will be delivered in partnership with the recently constituted Newmarket Street Traders group.

Finally, £35,000 will be available to help deliver a range of events, exhibitions and activities at the Cutty-Sark and the Grain Exchange. The venues, which are already proving popular, will help increase footfall in and around the high street.

Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "This is a welcome boost for Ayr. While the Ayr Town Centre Framework provides a route map for the next ten years, it's vital that we continue to support smaller projects and initiatives that help make a difference to businesses and the wider community."

Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder said: "These projects might be smaller in scale, but they are still vitally important. Well maintained shops help to entice customers and it's important that the new cinema looks its best. Building on our event programme also has many benefits, especially when we have two superb venues that encourage people to visit Ayr High Street."