Councillors get look inside Gaiety’s cafe/bar

Sep 16 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

YER tea’s oot.

And these Gaiety fans were sure to tuck in when they stopped by to check on the theatre’s progress.

Councillors and members of the Ayr Gaiety Partnership were given the chance to look around the cafe/bar which is currently under construction.

The works – which are being carried out by MCW of Ayr to designs produced by architects The McLennan Partnership – form the first stage of the project to reopen the theatre.

Over the last two months, contractors have completed the strip-out of the old Popplewells cafe and installed new windows into the bar area – bringing additional light into the remodelled space.

Other works have also been progressing well on-site and a number of items are currently being manufactured off-site in preparation for their installation as the works move closer to completion.

In addition to the works in the cafe/bar area, improvements include the extension and full refurbishment of the existing kitchen and toilet facilities, refurbishment of circulation spaces and reconfiguration of the entrance to the new cafe/bar, which will be run by a private operator.

To get a feel for things to come, South Ayrshire Provost Winnie Sloan joined councillors Bill Grant, Elaine Little, John Allan and Douglas Campbell, along with Graham Peterkin from AGP, to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in the area that will become the new cafe/bar.

Ian Welsh, chair of Ayr Gaiety Partnership, said: “The new cafe/bar is starting to take shape and it’s easy to picture customers sitting in what will be a fabulous space enjoying a cup of coffee and cake or a glass of wine and some lunch.

“This is the start of a new era for the Gaiety and I look forward to seeing the café/bar up and running in the very near future.”

Provost Sloan added: “It’s great to see the progress being made and exciting to think about what’s to come. Ayr already has lots to offer residents and visitors and the new cafe/bar will be an additional draw.

“I can’t wait to come back when it’s finished and enjoy an even better afternoon tea!”

The Gaiety cafe/bar will open later in the autumn.