"Somebody must have had a Meccano set when they were a child."
That's the view of East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid on the 1960s plan that transformed Kilmarnock's town centre.
The leader dubbed the changes to the town a 'big mistake' and said it had 'ripped the heart' out of Kilmarnock.
Although he quickly corrected himself by saying it was 'only half the town'.
As a result of the plans, the town centre now features a mixture of old architecture and more 'modern' buildings.
With the easing of pandemic restrictions and the return of more and more people to the town centre, the push to get regeneration work going is clear.
Added to that, Cllr Reid said, was the feedback that the people of Kilmarnock were, frankly, tired of consultations and wanted action.
Action doesn't always require building. Just by knocking down a block of empty shops at the junction of St Marnock Street and King Street and laying some turf, the landscape has been transformed.
The leader said that there were a number of early improvements being looked at to demonstrate that this would not be a paper exercise. This includes work to make the riverside more attractive.
The official opening of CentreStage Arts Academy at the historic former Kilmarnock Academy is also a prime example of the partners working together.
The council leader said he was heartened by the fact that the benefits of the new venue were varied.
He said: "CentreStage will be employing so many people, helping and supporting communities and those who may have health issues. And, of course, they will be providing some fun."
Social enterprise is an ever growing part of the regeneration push, providing more than just the bottom line. One of the most obvious benefits at a time of financial struggles, is the ability to access funding that is simply unobtainable by council-run projects.
The SNP member said: "As a physical resource CentreStage is great on its own. The building, which was my old school, looks better than ever.
"It is a listed building, built over 120 years ago. The creation of the CentreStage Academy will mean a lot, ensuring care and creating a legacy for future generations."
The development is just one point of a cultural triangle, which includes the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall complex and the Dick Institute.
Importantly, he added, was the communication the venues are having with each other to make the most of their proximity to bring in music, theatre and other arts.
"A big part is the night time economy and how we all work together to make the most of it. There is no one solution."
Operating in a silo was one of the biggest mistake of the past, he said.
The 60s plan was an example, with the focus seemingly on traffic management rather than taking the other strands required of a town centre.
"The big mistake was the 1960 Kilmarnock town centre plan. Somebody must have had a Meccano set when they were a child.
"They absolutely ripped the heart out of the town. Fortunately it was only half the town. The precinct itself has stood the test of time. I suppose they were looking to tackle traffic issues.
"It comes down to doing everything possible to bring folk into the town. We want to bring the feelgood factor. Celebrate Kilmarnock are doing great work to promote the town.
"It is something everyone is after now. It goes back to the isolation that many people feel - not being able to get out and meet with pals. "
The leader said that the council still has significant funds to supplement the investment in the town, including the replacement for the Galleon Centre.
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