Demolition work at the site of the recent King Street fire is now well underway, with efforts focused on safely clearing the damaged structure to allow businesses and the public to return as soon as possible.

The operation is being carried out in two phases, with Phase 1, focused on the King Street elevation, having commenced on Thursday afternoon. While the front of the building was relatively straightforward to remove, the side elevation is proving more complex and is being carefully dismantled by hand in some sections. Crews are aiming to complete this phase by Friday evening.

Once Phase 1 is complete, it is expected that the current exclusion zone can be reduced, paving the way for partial reopening of King Street. Utility companies will then gain access to the affected buildings to begin reinstating power and water services, work that cannot begin until demolition is finished.

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Before any section of King Street reopens to the public, Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) will carry out a full street safety inspection. This will include necessary repairs to lamp posts and road surfaces damaged during the incident and the ongoing demolition process.

Officials are hopeful that King Street will reopen shortly after Phase 1 demolition and utility checks are completed. Individual retailers will then decide when they can safely resume trading. The Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday morning will go ahead as planned, with extra traffic management in place to accommodate the ongoing works.

East Ayrshire Council has announced financial support for businesses impacted by the fire. Those located in the demolished building are eligible for £10,000 grants, while neighbouring affected businesses may qualify for £3,000. Full application details will be released next week, but the council is encouraging businesses to register their interest immediately.

Phase 2 of the demolition, which covers the gable end and rear of the building on Sandbed Street, is scheduled to begin late Monday evening or early Tuesday morning. Machinery will be escorted to the site by police. The timeline for this phase is still to be confirmed.