New Ayr homes taking shape in Lochside

Nov 7 2008 by Stuart Wilson

A NEW housing scheme will transform one of Ayr’s toughest communities.

The ambitious project will see 100 homes revamp the notorious Lochside area.

And residents waiting to move in say the £13 million plan is a dream come true.

The huge regeneration work, which kicked off last year, is overhauling three of Ayr’s most troubled streets.

A total of 132 houses in Gould, Mackie and McLean Streets were demolished to make way for the new homes.

Now residents are looking forward to moving back next year.

Three generations of the McCurdie family were moved from Mackie Street when the demolition work began.

Grandad Robert, 52, explained: “It’s been a really tough time and where we’re living now is not ideal.

“I’ve had windows broken and stuff stolen from the house and the move back to Mackie Street can’t come soon enough.

“Hopefully this will raise the profile of the area and attract some good people to come and live here because these streets have had their problems.”

Daughter Kelly, 31, who will live across the road with her daughter Jasmine, 10, admits the revamp is long overdue.

She said: “The area had a reputation before so hopefully that will change now. Maybe the new homes will attract a different class of person.

“We can’t wait to go back because at the moment we’re living out of boxes and it’s terrible.”

The McCurdies are one of 17 families who chose to move back to Lochside after being displaced for the building work.

They hope to be back next August once their modern homes have been completed.

The project is a joint venture by Ayrshire housing and South Ayrshire Council.

The site was visited this week by the government’s minister for communities and sport, Stewart Maxwell.

He said: “It was a very bold decision to demolish such a significant number of properties, but it’s a wonderful sight to see the development getting off the ground.

“It’s an ambitious project at £13 million and one which will make a massive difference to this part of the country.”

South Ayrshire Council leader Hugh Hunter added: “The local community deserve great credit for their involvement during the project.

“And the 17 families who come back here will look forward to their move with excitement.

“This is a great development for Lochside and South Ayrshire.”