During this period, James Shaw Lane to Foregate Square will temporarily close to traffic and taxis, however, pedestrian access to the bus station will not be affected. Foregate North car park will operate as normal and the taxi rank currently situated in James Shaw Lane will move temporarily to Portland Street. The taxi rank will run from the end of East George Street car park to The Standing Man Pub.

Local traders will be open for business as usual and shoppers will still be able to access The Foregate and the Burns Mall.

The decision to demolish the car park was based predominantly on health and safety recommendations, taking into account the deterioration of the building, the low occupancy levels and the considerable costs that would have been required to restore it to an acceptable and safe standard.

To remedy the loss of spaces within the multi-storey, new car parks have been constructed at London Road and Sturrock Street, with another at Grange Street due to start construction soon.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “The demolition of the multi-storey represents a significant and highly anticipated transformation of the urban landscape in Kilmarnock. Having this space so close to the redevelopment of St Marnock’s Square and the Cultural Quarter will open up new and exciting opportunities for the development of the area and contribute to the overall enhancement of Kilmarnock Town Centre.

“Various potential alternative uses for this space are currently being considered and we are in ongoing discussions with our communities to work out the best options for the site. “