The Maybole Restoration Project, which will tomorrow launch a dedicated website, offers funding and advice for existing shop owners to improve shop fronts and for owners of designated residential properties to carry out repairs.

Key historic buildings will also receive restoration funding aimed at restoring pride and vitality to the historic Carrick capital.

Included in the Maybole Regeneration Project are:

• Improving Shopfronts by working with shop owners and providing grants to owners to undertake improvement works.
• Restoration of important buildings to conserve and protect for current and future generations, including the Speakers, the Town Hall and the Castle.
• Exterior conservation and restoration works of residential properties within the designated area.
• Developing and improving walking and cycling routes into the town centre and to the new school campus.
• Transforming the High Street to become a better place to visit, shop and linger, especially once the bulk of heavy traffic is removed by the Bypass.
• Creating opportunities in employment and training by ensuring residents in and around Maybole benefit from learning, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.

Councillor Brian McGinley, economy and culture portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “Together with our partners we are looking to transform Maybole and make the most of its unique assets. We want to put Maybole back on the map and this online resource is a significant step towards achieving this. The new website will be crammed full of information, from updates on the latest projects to advice and funding applications, so I would encourage people visit the website and learn more.”

Mark Fletcher, chair of the Maybole Community Council, said community involvement is key to the success of the project.

He added: “A project like this takes a whole community to implement. Equally, a revitalised town centre will benefit all, especially when the Bypass opens and takes lorry traffic away from our historic streets.

“The recent lockdown has demonstrated the importance of the ‘shop local’ message and provided both reason and opportunity to walk and cycle. I hope this will have provided a taste of what a regenerated town centre can mean to Maybole, as we reclaim the High Street for people, not traffic.“

Duncan Clelland, project lead for the Maybole Regeneration Project, said: “I want to pay tribute to those with the original vision for Maybole; the Community Council and activists who fought hard to establish their case. Now with South Ayrshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund fully behind the plans, the Project is moving on to an exciting phase where we can jointly make a real difference to the look and feel of the town.

“The new website plays a crucial part in disseminating information and providing access to grant funding and I’d encourage everyone in Maybole and the surrounding area to have a look at what is planned and what assistance is available.”