Council bosses have completed the purchase of the crumbling empty cinema in Girvan.
The former vogue cinema is in a state of disrepair and has been abandoned for more than a decade.
South Ayrshire Council have purchased the building and land for a reported £80,000 - and they will now demolish it.
Affordable homes could now be erected on the site.
Residents have complained about pigeons and rats infesting the old bingo hall.
Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “I’m sure the purchase of the former cinema building will come as good news to the town’s residents.
“Sadly, the building has been left to deteriorate for a number of years by the former owners. As well as being dangerous, the building was subject to infestation and damp, which became an ongoing expense to the Council and nearby residents.
“The health and wellbeing of the community is our priority, and we can now take the necessary steps to make sure the area is safe.
“The building is in a prime location in the town, so we will now look at possibilities for regenerating the area, with the aim of encouraging more people back into the heart of Girvan.”
The Art Deco cinema on Dalrymple Street was built in 1933 to seat 1,100.
The council have bought the dilapidated building and the 300 year ground lease, which was put in place in 1875.
They say this allows them full control of the site "as proposals can now be developed to take down the unsightly and disused building with a view to regenerating the area."
