During a visit to the site on Friday, Councillor Martin Kilbride, South Ayrshire Council’s new portfolio holder for housing and The Gaiety Theatre’s chief executive Jeremy Wyatt tightened the final bolt.

The 31 self-contained flats for social rent on behalf of Ayrshire Housing are now well underway and the completion of the steel frame highlights a significant landmark in the build process of the eagerly awaited development.

The JR Group team worked with key partners to deliver this major element of the build process including Architects, APRL; Engineers G3, and Steel Manufacturers, GR Contracts.

Jim Whiston, director at Ayrshire Housing, said: “It is great to see real progress being made in this development which will increase the range of housing in the town centre with its focus on accessibility and adaptability. It also supports South Ayrshire Council’s ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre.”

Craig Whyte, commercial director for The JR Group, added: “The completion of the steel frame at Carrick Street was a landmark moment for this key regional project. The steel frame was the best option for the site and the sustainability and tensile strength of the steel is making this method of building increasingly popular.

“Works continues at Carrick Street but the arrival of the steel frame shows on time, real progress and we are excited to take the site though to completion and provide much-needed new homes for Ayr.

“It was excellent welcoming Councillor Martin to Carrick Street on Friday to showcase the significant progress made so far on this project, we’re delighted he could join us to celebrate this milestone.”

Councillor Kilbride commented: “I’m delighted that the council has been able to support this development. Bringing much needed housing into the town centre, it contributes to its ongoing renewal.”

Appointed by the association under their framework, the new homes are located in the heart of the town centre across from the Gaiety Theatre. They will complement the ongoing transformation of the adjacent Kyle Centre into a cinema and leisure hub. The development comprises 22 one-bedroom flats and nine two-bedroom flats and is due for completion by spring 2023.