Bring an abandoned historic building in the heart of Kilmarnock back to life.
That is the call from councillors who want to see the House of Chau in Nelson Street back in use.
The old property used to house a Chinese fast-food restaurant but is now empty.
East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid revealed discussions are underway about the listed building’s future.
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He pointed out a £1.7 million boost to fund town centre regeneration in East Ayrshire from Cosla and the Scottish Government could help revive properties.
Speaking at last week’s East Ayrshire cabinet meeting, Councillor Reid said: “I would like to see some of the money used to get older buildings back into use.”
He accused some owners of private listed buildings of “doing the minimum” to maintain them.
Councillor Iain Linton said: “One of our key objectives is the regeneration of town centres.”
Councillor Clare Maitland said: “Nelson Street is a fantastic building. I would like to see that fixed. There are also spaces behind the buildings which could be utilised.”
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Politicians discussed the problem of saving old properties when a paper about a vacant and derelict building grants scheme was presented to cabinet.
The council provide 50 per cent of grant assistance to private owners who undertake work on old buildings.
The former Conservative Club in Sturrock Street and House of Chau were given a £10,000 cash injection under the scheme.
The council ordered a condition survey to be carried out, which revealed “minimal work” was needed to make the Nelson Street building operational again.
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But repair works at the old Conservative Club would be “extensive” after spates of vandalism and fire.
A report said: “Water from firefighting, combined with the removal or theft of materials such as lead flashings, has resulted in significant dampness and water ingress.
“This has caused the building to deteriorate at a very fast rate.”
