Plans for a £16 million redevelopment of Burns Statue Square in Ayr are facing a call for the historic setting to be protected and enhanced before South Ayrshire Council decides whether the project should proceed.
Kyle and Carrick Civic Society is asking for a conservation-led approach to the proposals, which are backed by the Local Regeneration Fund. Residents and visitors were consulted earlier this year, and the results of that public engagement are due to be presented to South Ayrshire Council elected members in September.
What is proposed for Burns Statue Square?
The designs aim to create a civic space reflecting the heritage of the square and Robert Burns’ love of nature. Proposed changes include new trees, planting and public seating.
The road layout would be changed, while a new car park is proposed beside the Astoria Cinema. The plans also include spaces for blue badge holders and new electric vehicle charging stations.
Bus stops would be moved and a new pedestrian crossing would be added as part of the proposed changes.
If councillors approve the project, construction is scheduled to start in January 2027, with completion expected in spring 2028.
Society says historic features should remain
Kyle and Carrick Civic Society president G Michael Hitchon MBE said important features of the square should be retained. He pointed to the largely intact 19th-century garden, which provides the setting for the category-B listed statue of Robert Burns.
The statue was created by George A Lawson and stands on a plinth made from Aberdeen granite, designed by Ayr architect James A Morris, RSA. The square also contains four reliefs designed by Lawson, George E Bissell and David McGill.
The society said the red Ballochmyle sandstone used in the hard landscaping should remain, along with seating for more than 60 people. It also highlighted the railings around the statue, saying they offer some protection from vandalism.
“To minimise further disruption to all the traders who were recently hit hard by the Ayr Station Hotel and Station Bridge saga, let’s see this historic 19th-century Heritage Garden with its many tons of sandstone retained and enhanced.”
Potential conservation additions
Burns Statue Square is within the Ayr Central Outstanding Conservation Area. The society said a conservation-led scheme could include reinstating two intricate cast-iron columns and lanterns that were removed during the war effort.
Mr Hitchon said a cost-effective approach could help restore pride in the space, which welcomes visitors to sit and rest. The next major step is the presentation of the public engagement findings to elected members in September, followed by a decision on whether the proposals can move towards construction.