A key figure behind plans to bring an eight-screen boutique cinema to Ayr says he can’t guarantee building work will start this year - as was expected.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of ‘tangible evidence’ of the redevelopment at the former Kyle Shopping Centre - since the multi-million pound development was first announced two years ago this month.
Ayrshire Live exclusively revealed in February 2021 that a deal had been struck that would see the centre undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment to bring the latest Hollywood blockbusters to town.
We also told how Irish cinema firm Arc were the company involved in the redevelopment plans. They signed a long-term lease at the Kyle to become the ‘leisure anchor’ at the new High Street development.
Another important cog in the project involved food and beverage outlets, along with a host of complementary leisure activities such as virtual reality, soft play, indoor golf experience and a refurbished car park.
Redevelopment work was expected to get underway at the ‘ghost’ shopping centre this year - but the centre owners have rowed back on that previous pledge.
Graham Hamilton, managing director at PJ Leggate, who are part of the ambitious proposals, says the team behind the project are “determined to make it happen.”
Speaking exclusively to Ayrshire Live Mr Hamilton said: “When you look at it [the shopping centre] you think ‘there’s nothing much happening there’ but things are happening behind the scenes.
“The important thing is we’ve got the commitment from the cinema operators. It’s like a lot of things; it’s about getting everything lined up and ready to go.”
One Ayrshire business insider has voiced concerns, saying: "This was a very welcome and much heralded announcement back in February 2021. Since then there’s been a lack of tangible evidence of the redevelopment taking shape. I hope this isn’t another false dawn.”
Mr Hamilton admitted that interest rate rises and increases in construction costs have resulted in a “reappraisal” of the project, but stressed that it will take shape.
He said: “We have planning permission for the existing scheme and we have kept in touch with South Ayrshire Council and the planners, who are very supportive.
“If there was to be a change [to the plans] it would be what’s referred to as a ‘non-material variation.’ The council want to see this happen as well, so I can’t see there being a planning issue.
“The real catalyst is the cinema and we have to make sure it works.
“But there’s been a huge inflation in construction costs and interest rates have gone up, so the whole cost dynamics have gone up- and have had to be reappraised - but we are still determined to make it work.
“The great thing is we had Brian Gilligan, the guy who runs the Arc Cinema chain, in Ayr recently. He’s still very much committed.
“He’s opened cinemas in England and opened one in Peterhead now, so they are on a big expansion drive in the UK.”
Mr Hamilton, though, won’t commit to work starting this year.
He said: “What I don’t want to do is make a commitment, or promise, that can’t be kept. There’s a lot of moving parts and we have a responsibility to get it right.”
He added: “We’ve been there for the long term on this and we are determined to make it happen.”
Mr Hamilton revealed that the project has received “interest” from some notable restaurant operators and developers are looking at “how best” to reconfigure the space - if they come on board.
Ayrshire Live approached South Ayrshire Council, seeking their current position regarding the proposals.
A council spokesperson would only say: “South Ayrshire Council does not own the site, so any queries regarding the future of the Kyle Centre would need to be addressed by the owner, or their agent.”
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