AYR'S Riverside Block, which has blocked access to the river since the 1960s, could be knocked down.

Plans to transform one of the most neglected part of Ayr's historic town centre into a thriving realm have been unveiled.

It is hoped the masterplan will present a vision for a mixed development which could include quality office accommodation and housing as well as space for niche retail units, cafes, restaurants and spaces for public engagement.

Chairman of Ayr Renaissance, James Knox, said: "The balance of the development depends on the added value created by the quality of the architecture, the welcome to the public afforded by the originality and openness of the plan and the content of the public realm.

"Getting these right is the key to unlocking long-term regeneration of the town centre for generations to come."
The Riverside Block sits between the medieval “Auld Brig” and the Victorian “New Bridge".

These plans include sweeping away the massive retail stores which have blocked access to the river since the 1960s and the creation of landscaped public realm alongside a festival building and an elegant new waterfront for the town.

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Traditional vennels, in keeping with the existing town centre, will open up informal pedestrian connections throughout the Riverside Block site from all directions; while in the longer term, the River Ayr Walk, which currently ends at the Auld Brig, could continue across the site, running along the river to the sea.

The north shore is also part of the plan which will be re-landscaped as part of the framing of a new River Square including the stretch of river flanked by both bridges - with the potential to become the focal point for festivities and events.

The masterplan serves as the basis for the planning application submitted by Ayr Renaissance to enable demolition of most of the riverside block which is in a conservation area.

The evolution of the masterplan included two public consultation days and two peer review workshops run by Architecture and Design Scotland.

Tenders for the demolition have been issued to ensure a start can be made on site provided the necessary consents are granted and an application is due to be considered by South Ayrshire Council in early 2017.

If planning approval is granted, existing buildings would be demolished, with an archaeological dig to follow across the whole site to uncover the secrets of medieval Ayr.