Bulldozers moved into Darvel this week to begin the demolition and redevelopment of the former Co-op store.
East Ayrshire councillors recently approved the release of final funding for the works which will make way for an imaginative new scheme which will bring a garden and market place to the town.
The project – backed by the community council – plans to make the site into a place where people will want to gather, hold events, socialise and promote trade.
The garden landscape and space for markets to be held are hoped to promote local farm produce and goods from local businesses.
Councillor Jim Roberts, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, welcomed the news saying: “It’s very fitting that this long derelict site, which housed an old established Co-op, founded to promote equality and fair trade for local people, will once again be a focal point for local produce and co-operative community events.
“With a total budget of £200,000 from our Scottish Government town centre regeneration fund allocation of £1.7 million which East Ayrshire has been granted for 2019/20, the community council has already commissioned an architect to carry out design work, which will shortly be progressing to a planning submission.”
The demolition squad are already getting underway – with locals giving the scheme the thumbs up.
Depute council leader Elena Whitham said: “Residents were delighted, practically cheering as they saw the diggers arriving.
“This is a great use of our regeneration funds, all the more exciting as it’s truly a project for the community and by the community.
“It’s the epitome of what regeneration should be about, improving lives and prospects by cleaning up and renovating our built environment.”
Demolition is expected to be a short process with site clearance taking longer to complete.
A traffic management programme will be in place for the first eight days – and plans for the site will be available to view on the council website shortly.
