An ambitious 10 year plan to transform Ayr town centre has been approved by councillors.

The Ayr Town Centre Framework includes a new Ayr Station & Transport Interchange along with the development of the Kyle Quarter.

The proposals will look to increase footfall and boost spending in the town for the next decade.

Highlights of the plan include the creation of a new transport interchange at Ayr Railway Station, adding a bus station and mobility hub. 

It also involves the creation of a new public space at Robert Burns Square connecting the town centre with the new transport interchange. 

This will be created by extending and upgrading the square by redirecting the A70 and creating public space from Station Road to Smith Street. 

The framework includes the creation of a new Living Well Village at Hourstons and Arran Mall including residential care, day centre, care experienced accommodation and more. 

There are also plans to promote the Kyle Shopping Centre for a mix of uses, including residential, leisure, retail and office use.

During a recent public consultation, a total of 214 survey questionnaires were completed, 177 people attended consultation events at the Cutty Sark Centre, and over 1,200 comments were made on how best to develop the projects.

The consultation was overwhelmingly supportive with 93 per cent indicating broad support for the aims of the framework and offering additional comments.

Some 88 per cent supported the redevelopment of the Kyle Shopping Centre and local area masterplan, while 83 per cent supported the new Transport Interchange and 85 per cent supported the Burns Statue Square Enhancement.

A number of 'early win' projects are also in the pipeline which could include accelerating the redesign of the Esplanade.

Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder, said: "Thank you to everyone who took the time to give us their views during the consultation.

"The results show there is an appetite for change and that people are supportive of the framework.

"Some of these projects will take time to progress, so it's important we have some early wins to build on this enthusiasm."