South Ayrshire Council call for public help on Belleisle

Sep 3 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S the crown jewel which has lost its sparkle.

Talking shops, think tanks and criticism has flown from all sides.

Now the buck has stopped – and South Ayrshire Council has pledged to return Belleisle to its former glory.

Interested parties are being urged to come forward and set out their plan for revival.

And one councillor has confessed that without public help, the park has no chance of flourishing.

Bill Grant, never shy from talking tough on Belleisle, knows it’s crossroads time.

He admitted: “We, as a council, cannot do justice to Belleisle on our own and we have realised that.

“By inviting interested parties to come forward, it reinforces our aim to do things differently here and build a better future for Belleisle.

“I look around this place and see nothing but potential and we have a great chance to work in partnership with the community to create something special.

“The hope is that we return Belleisle to its iconic status in the west of Scotland – an asset for the whole of South Ayrshire.”

The council has put five lots on the market and wants to talk tactics with prospective ventures.

Fronting the package is Belleisle House Hotel, which dates back to 1829.

Also on the table is the former Pets’ Corner, stables, nursery land and gatehouse.

And Mr Grant insists the council is open to a range of proposals for the former sites.

He said: “We’ll listen to any number of suggestions and I’m sure they’ll come from far and wide.

“The hotel doesn’t have to stay as a hotel, for example, and Pets’ Corner could be used as a lovely wee market garden.

“I’m just thinking aloud when I say that, but the possibilities are endless.

“The one thing we’re focusing on is improving this park for the people of South Ayrshire.

“They deserve better and by carrying out this search of the community for their thoughts, we’re confident of capturing their imagination and working with them for a brighter future.”

Jim McQuillan, the council’s property and neighbourhood spokesman, added: “Belleisle Estate is a prominent local landmark and we are actively looking to work in conjunction with interested parties to regenerate the estate.

“The grounds and buildings have been enjoyed by previous generations and the council is committed to the redevelopment of the area for future generations, promoting Belleisle as a premier social, recreational and visitor attraction.

“We are open to new ideas to maximise the full potential of the estate and are interested in learning of any appropriate proposals others may have for the use of land or buildings, together with details of their business experience and business interests, and how these might impact favourably on economic, social, recreational and leisure factors.”

To view a brochure, visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/council/property/commercial

Expressions of interest must be lodged by noon on Thursday, September 30.