South Ayrshire Council has announced a £2 million regeneration scheme for Prestwick.

The first step of the scheme will be the development of a masterplan, which will be used to identify and coordinate projects to help transform the town.

The Council is seeking the views of the public via two studies commissioned by Prestwick Civic Pride. These studies will be used to help inform the masterplan.

The first study is the 'Prestwick Heritage Freemans Hall Feasibility Study', which contains proposals for a new steeple. The study also reveals plans for a Health and Social Care Hub with the building shared between the Council, the Health and Social Care Partnership and the wider community.

Prestwick Civic Pride's second study is the 'Prestwick Shorefront Enhancement Programme'. This includes proposals for improving access points at the promenade, activity areas and contains suggestions for the former bathing lake.


Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "The masterplan will include many more projects, but the Civic Pride proposals are a good starting point and will help us develop the plan.

"The £2m should be used for one-off projects which don't require ongoing funding and represent best value. The funding should be used on projects which have a positive impact on residents and visitors, that's why gathering public views is so important."

Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder said: "There are sound proposals in these studies, but we need to give the public the chance to have their say as well. The masterplan will develop over time, but the most important thing is to keep dialogue open with residents as these regeneration projects could help define Prestwick for generations to come."

Councillor Lee Lyons, Health and Social Care Portfolio Holder said: "At a time when there is more focus on providing 'high street' healthcare for minor issues, the proposals for a Health and Social Care Hub in Prestwick could make a big difference to the local community. It's important that the public comment on these proposals and help us prioritise what the funding should be used for."

Additional public consultation will take place in the future and the Council also plan to engage with Prestwick Community Council to get their views on the masterplan.

You can view Prestwick Civic Pride's studies and fill in the short survey by going to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations

The survey will close on Friday 31 of May at 4pm.