New £9m homes for Lochside in Ayr

Oct 5 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Huge parts of Ayr’s Lochside will be regenerated as part of a £9million project.

Radical plans to build 58 new homes were given the thumbs up by councillors this week and nine existing maisonette blocks will be demolished as part of the project.

Council leader Bill McIntosh said: “The decision should mark a new beginning for the tenants in the Lochside maisonettes, who will receive priority for the new homes when complete.”

Proposals to modernise the maisonettes have been on the table since as far back as 2008. But by last year, only three of the 12 blocks had been completed.

Council chiefs called for a masterplan in March to determine the best way forward for the ailing project.

The disused greyhound stadium at Whitletts has been transferred into the council’s housing and revenue account after being valued at £200,000 for leisure and community use.

SNP leader Douglas Campbell said he welcomed the new homes but was angry that tenants forced to leave the maisonettes did not appear to be receiving compensation.

Work is due to start on the new homes late next year, with completion in 2015.