August 14 2020

South Ayrshire Council has opened a public consultation for 90 new build amenity flats to replace three tower blocks at Riverside Place, Ayr.

Led by Lawrence McPherson Architects (LMA) and Ashleigh Construction the consultation seeks to establish ways and means of improving connectivity along the riverfront such as delivering new green spaces and pedestrian routes while also providing replacement accommodation for existing tenants.

Located on the north bank of the River Ayr within walking distance of the town centre the indicative plan calls for two blocks of accommodation fronting the river, maximising shared public open space to the centre and rear.

In a consultation statement, LMA wrote: "The site layout maximises open space and creates unenclosed shared areas, in line with the ‘home zone’ logic, and buffer gardens to the river walkway.

"The proposed massing looks to offer a more consistent scale, frontage and roofscape in line with the established pattern and character of the riverfront and Ayr."

The online consultation will run until 28 August with a full planning application following shortly thereafter. 

14 Comments

#1 Posted by BASARCH on 14 Aug 2020 at 19:25 PM

Oh dear ........ Ayr has reverted to the 80’s!

#2 Posted by Green New Deal on 14 Aug 2020 at 19:54 PM

They should develop a park there, new buildings need to be prohibited for the environment.

#3 Posted by Chris on 15 Aug 2020 at 11:21 AM

#2 Another ridiculous comment. We should be encouraging the construction of multi-dweller housing in central areas. More people living in town centres = shorter commutes = lower emissions = greener environment.

#4 Posted by Green New Deal on 15 Aug 2020 at 12:42 PM

#3 New buildings are essentially acts of racism against the planet. There should be trees and gardens going up in their place to save the earth from climate change.

#5 Posted by Fush And Chups on 15 Aug 2020 at 13:04 PM

#2 This is a replacement for the three towers, so not really new housing.

Ayr already has plenty of green spaces.
More housing density is needed in our city and town centres to make them more vibrant and enjoyable places to be at all times of day and night. # 3 hits the nail on the head.

#6 Posted by jimbob tanktop on 15 Aug 2020 at 17:12 PM

"#3 New buildings are essentially acts of racism against the planet."

That sentence is an act of racism against logic and language.

#7 Posted by TalkingSense on 15 Aug 2020 at 18:22 PM

Jeez, it's worrying that people don't realise 'Green New Deal' is taking the mick.

How exactly does demolishing 200-odd dense housing with 90 not-so-dense housing make socio-economic and environmental sense? Just because the residents voted in favour of reducing the number of homes available in the area, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Improving existing stock must be our first priority - not creating yet more levels of industrial/construction waste.

#8 Posted by William Wilson on 15 Aug 2020 at 20:08 PM

I'd love to see a bit more height, maybe 15-20 stories.

#9 Posted by DavetheRave on 18 Aug 2020 at 09:48 AM

Just another social housing scheme with the cheapest materials and the cheapest construction methods. It looks like LMA have taken their budget hotel schemes and Pebble St housing and mixed them together in a big pot and this is what’s left. I would have liked to see something more on this site, while the high-rise flats are seriously dated they do create a place maker to the town, this will be outdated before its finished and blend in nicely with the garbage surrounding it. Ayr is losing so much, at least when we redevelop can we not do something that encourages better designs and investment into the town centre area, where it is drastically needed??
Oh and in response to the above, Ayr has an abundance of green space and I totally agree with #3 & #5 and would rather better quality housing to encourage more people back into the central town area. We need more who live, work and play in the town and not just jump in the train/ car to Glasgow.

#10 Posted by Mies's Mouse on 18 Aug 2020 at 12:42 PM

We've wasted so much resource in taking down all the multis. If only we had aped Druot, Lacatan & Vassal's work in France.

#11 Posted by Dirk Benedict on 18 Aug 2020 at 14:33 PM

Ah, but #10, that would take vision!

#12 Posted by Artichoke on 18 Aug 2020 at 19:21 PM

yes lets keep a post war-housing solution that would cost twice the amount to refurbish than it would to provide a fit for purpose new home. if the material selection for that location are suitable this scheme will be entirely fit for purpose. some research on the procurement route will inform some of the keyboard warriors above

#13 Posted by Still looks naff on 19 Aug 2020 at 00:25 AM

Ah come on now, it’s mince. Whatever procurement route this adopts there’s little sign of any ambition whatsoever.

A shame for such a prominent location.

#14 Posted by Auntie Nairn on 26 Aug 2020 at 21:34 PM

Research on the procurement route!!!!!????????
Like that will have any impact whatsoever - some creative re-use of the bare bones might be a better start

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