Ward Capital investment was initially agreed by the council in March 2023 to invest in each of South Ayrshire’s eight wards over a period of four years. This money comes from the council’s capital budget, which means that the funds can only be spent on fixed assets or one-time, larger purchases that have a lasting legacy. This includes things like outdoor seating, play areas and road surfacing.

The new projects build on ward capital initiatives already completed or in progress, and demonstrate the council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing spaces and places and promoting civic and community pride in the area.

Just some of the new projects in the pipeline include an upgrade to the changing rooms at Prestwick Swimming Pool; the installation of a sensory path at Castlehill Woods in Ayr; improvements at Knockushan Gardens in Girvan; the addition of adult gym equipment and benches at Symington Park; a replacement pitch at Marr College in Troon; and measures to protect and enhance wildlife habitats across North Carrick.

Councillors also approved an additional £2 million budget for promenades to be evenly distributed between the wards of Girvan, Ayr, Prestwick, and Troon, ensuring that all four areas will benefit equally from planned improvements.

The plans will further the progress which has been made so far on a range of projects to enhance local areas. In Troon, upgrades have been made to play areas in various communities, decorative planters have been added to the town centre, and the council has installed power sources to the civic spaces around the Walker Hall. New solar compactor bins are being procured for Troon town centre, and residents and visitors can soon look forward to a BBQ area with a picnic spot right on the promenade.

Some of the improvements in Prestwick include an upgrade to the car park north of Kidz Play, and new benches, picnic tables and surfacing works along the beach. The paths in Boydfield Gardens will soon be resurfaced, and some upcoming work includes the design and creation of a memorial near Prestwick promenade.

In Ayr North, Newton Shore has been transformed with resurfacing works and new benches along the promenade, which will allow easier access for residents and visitors to enjoy the seafront. A new multi-use games area (MUGA) has been introduced in the centre of Newton, and the on-street parking at Lochside Community Centre, a vital hub in the area, has been upgraded. The council has increased opportunities for local people to participate in water sports with the River Ayr access platform, and made some well-needed improvements to the play park and shop area in Dalmilling.   

The main arterial routes into Ayr have been upgraded as part of improvements in the Ayr West ward. The council said it is committed to protecting historical landmarks across South Ayrshire, so it has added new lighting to the Auld Brig and New Bridge, and at Loudon Hall. Replacement barriers have been erected at Blackfriars Walk leading into the town centre, and Miller Road has some new decorative column lighting. Ayr Beach is one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, so the council has resurfaced the promenade and removed the deteriorating MVF Watchful to allow it to move forward with our ambitious Ayr Esplanade Improvement Strategy. Works are also ongoing in this area to repair the footbridge over the slipway.

In the Kyle ward, a range of road and footpath upgrades have been completed in Dundonald, Symington, Mossblown and Loans, and parking and road improvements have been made around Dundonald Field. New seating and dog waste bins have been added to various areas in Annbank, and decorative planters have been procured for Monkton town centre. Mossblown War Memorial has been relocated next to the village’s Activity Centre, and there’s also some brand-new outdoor adult gym equipment to encourage residents to stay active. 

Works are currently ongoing to improve access from Dunure Harbour to Kennedy Park in Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton. Some of the completed projects in this ward includes new seating at Coylton Park, upgrades to the playground at Coylton Primary School, and window replacement at Straiton Community Hall. There’s a new safety boat at Dunure Harbour, and a range of road and footpath upgrades are also being made in the village.   

Moving further south, a new Merchant Navy and Seafarers memorial has been installed at Girvan Harbour, and Knockushan Street Community Garden’s bird aviary has been upgraded. Ballantrae’s Ardstinchar Bridge has been reopened to cyclists and pedestrians, and a new deer-proof fence was installed at Bynehill Cemetery to protect the land. Benches have been installed in Colmonell Community Garden, and the town’s bridge also has some new seating. Improvement works are ongoing at the War Memorial in Heronsford and at the carpark at the rear of Dailly Primary School to make it more accessible.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “We’re committed to investing in South Ayrshire as a whole and our ‘Ward Capital Projects’ programme reflect the Council’s dedication to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors across the region.

“Some of these projects may look small on paper, but we know that these are the improvements that have the biggest impact and make a huge difference to our residents and visitors.

“I’m really pleased that a range of new projects have been approved as it means that communities the length and breadth of South Ayrshire will further benefit from the targeted investment. I know these improvements will be enjoyed by generations to come and I look forward to seeing them completed.”

South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, added: “We want to create welcoming spaces that everyone can enjoy, and this is a fantastic opportunity to further enhance our local communities. I hope the investment in a diverse range of projects will help to create a sense of pride and ownership among our residents.

“The projects will also help to boost tourism in the area, and I know visitors will be able to see a big difference in all of our towns and villages. I’m excited to see how the new initiatives will benefit our communities in the future.”