The top deck of the “horrific” Kilmarnock multi-storey car park is likely to be opened again as part of a £3.16 million makeover plan.
The building was slammed as a “blight and horrific” by a councillor at an East Ayrshire Council cabinet meeting last week.
Lighting of the structure could be improved as part of the transformation.
A structural inspection of the Green Street property found the stairwell was deteriorating.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting, council depute leader Councillor Elena Whitham (SNP) said it is important to retain the spaces for the town centre.
Annick councillor John McGhee (Labour) said: “The multi-storey car park is an asset we should be retaining.”
It is understood the work will be phased with part of the car park remaining open.
Kilmarnock South councillor Clare Maitland (SNP) said the multi-storey doesn’t deserve the reputation it has.
She pointed out how proper lighting promotes the feeling of safety.
Her fellow SNP councillor Fiona Campbell described the building as “the most aesthetically unpleasant thing I have ever seen.”
The Kilmarnock East and Hurlford elected member added: “It is a blight and horrific.”
Councillor Whitham said she was a fan of brutalist architecture.
Council depute chief executive Katie Kelly said efforts will be made to make sure it blends into the town through the refurbishment.
However, she told councillors they can’t please everyone.
Ms Kelly added: “It is not my personal taste.”
The huge cash injection was signed off by councillors at cabinet.
The car park is in demand with spaces running out during peak times.
Wider proposals on the future of car parking in the town and across East Ayrshire will be considered next month.
