A major redesign of Ayr town centre could cost £19.9 million and take up to two years longer than planned, under proposals due to be considered by South Ayrshire Council’s cabinet.
The first phase of the controversial Accessible Ayr project would change roads, crossings and public spaces in and around the town centre. The plans are intended to improve walking and cycling, while also altering traffic movement, parking and links with public transport.
A report due to be considered on September 22 recommends continuing public and stakeholder engagement, extending the study areas for the first two phases and keeping Accessible Ayr as a core part of the Ayr Town Centre Framework.
What is proposed for Ayr town centre
The project was split into two phases by the cabinet in August 2024. Phase one covers areas mainly south of the River Ayr, while phase two focuses on areas to the north.
Cabinet members agreed in April 2025 to continue stage four design work for phase one. They also agreed to examine the potential benefits of combining Accessible Ayr with the Burns Statue Square project, whose redevelopment has already been approved.
At Fort Street, Fullarton Street and the Sandgate junction, further changes are proposed. Fort Street North, between Sandgate and Citadel Place, would move from two-way traffic to one-way northbound operation. Signal-controlled crossings would also be adjusted, with the council saying the changes would improve arrangements for people walking and cycling and increase junction capacity.
A bi-directional cycleway is proposed on the eastern side of Alloway Street. Disabled parking spaces and loading bays would move to the western side, while a signalised crossing would be relocated further north, closer to the High Street.
Businesses and residents raise concerns
Local businesses and residents raised concerns during the latest consultation, including objections linked to the Alloway Street changes and previously approved proposals for Sandgate.
Ayrshire Roads Alliance has recommended that further options are developed for those areas before the cabinet is asked to approve stage four. Officers also want to examine nearby streets and widen the study area, with the aim of improving safety and connections.
Stage four work has included further engagement, traffic modelling, parking analysis and design work. Officers have also reviewed materials, operational details and images showing how the completed proposals could look. The designs remain largely similar to those approved at stage three, although changes are proposed around the Fort Street, Fullarton Street and Sandgate junction and Alloway Street.
Cost, timetable and next steps
All funding for the project’s design has come from the Scottish Government through the Places for Everyone programme, administered by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, formerly known as Sustrans.
The report also recommends an Ayr Transport Strategy covering walking, cycling, buses, rail and roads. Its purpose would be to coordinate improvements and increase safety and access across Ayr.
The estimated construction cost for phase one is £19.9 million. Transport Scotland has said extra approval, including a full business case, would be required if more than £5 million were spent in one financial year. To avoid that requirement, the council and Transport Scotland have agreed to divide construction into four phases, each costing less than £5 million annually.
That approach could lengthen construction but reduce disruption in individual parts of the town. Further option development and the proposed phasing could add one to two years to the timetable, although the report says this depends on funding and could change. Accessible Ayr is currently expected to continue beyond the planned 2028 completion of Burns Statue Square.
Ayrshire Roads Alliance will continue reporting progress to cabinet. Any future construction will remain subject to procurement rules, tender procedures and further approval.
