A new car park and road as part of a £1.27 million project for Kilmarnock’s Cultural Quarter has been given the green light.
A route is to be built from London Road to Elmbank Drive and Rennie Street to take traffic heading to the former Kilmarnock Academy.
It is now home to the transformed Ayrshire’s Arts Academy – Centrestage – after a major refurbishment of the historic school.
Councillors approved plans for a 98-space public car park beside the old school at an East Ayrshire Council cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Council leader Douglas Reid (SNP) said: "I am delighted that we have reached an agreement on additional funding for the new road layout and public car park for Kilmarnock’s Cultural Quarter.
"By ensuring that we have the correct infrastructure in place we can help the arts to thrive locally, while also improving access to the town centre."
The Cultural Quarter includes the Dick Institute, Palace Theatre and Grand Hall and Centrestage.
Estimated costs for the new access road are £763,000 and £512,000 for the car park. It is more than originally thought.
The extra money is to come from a cash pot previously allocated for the refurbishment of the multi-storey car park. That is no longer happening after councillors decided on Wednesday to tear it down.
Councillor Reid added: "The regeneration of our town centres is more important than ever.
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on our local businesses and we are committed to working with them, through Celebrate Kilmarnock and local business groups, to ensure that local voices are at the heart of any decision-making and that East Ayrshire is an even greater place to live, work and play.
"The money that is being invested in the Cultural Quarter will attract more families into the town and boost the economy, while the new auditorium in Centrestage and improvements to the Grand Hall and Palace theatre complex will help to significantly improve the day and night-time economy."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
