South Ayrshire Council leader slams delays over Arran Mall demolition

-Credit:Ayrshire Post
-Credit:Ayrshire Post


South Ayrshire Council Leader, Martin Dowey, has expressed frustration over the length of time it is taking to demolish the Arran Mall.

The property was bought by the council along with Hourstons in Ayr town centre with a view to developing a 'Living Well Village' which could feature residential care, care experienced accommodation, a day centre, and affordable housing.

The previous SNP/Labour administration had earmarked the site for a new Ayr leisure centre before the current administration scrapped the plan.

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However, there have been a number of issues that have delayed progress.

Cllr Dowey pointed out that previous reports had seen assurances given around the timescales - assurances he said had not been met. He also pointed out that one of the main reasons for the timescale was in order to avoid paying full rates on the property.

In 2020 it had been reported that the council had purchased the mall. However, legal issues and the requirement that the previous owners ensure the property was fully vacated meant that the handover was delayed.

In November 2023, officers had told the cabinet that they expected the purchase to be completed by the start of 2024, with demolition underway by May of that year.

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While the mall was acquired in January 2024, the start of demolition has not begun in earnest.

Councillor Dowey said: "It is the time it's taken to demolish [the Arran Mall]. We've had about three papers on this but we had a paper in April.

"We were keen then that we did not pay any rates."

Council planning chief, Chris Cox, said: "In terms of the reason for the delay...it was essentially due to asbestos being found in the Hourstons building.

"I also need to ensure that we got statutory consent to uncouple the Hourstons building from the Arran Mall. There haven't been any delays, it has been continuous work.

"We are out to tender for the demolition of the Arran Mall. There will be rates to be paid, even when the buildings are brought down."

South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey
South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey

Cllr Dowey argued that, no matter which of the options were chosen for developing the site, the Arran Mall would be demolished.

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He said: "I appreciate there was a delay in getting clear title for the Arran Mall, but that was last January.

"We had assurances that the Arran Mall, at least, would be demolished. At the April cabinet last year it was to be done urgently to get the Arran Mall down.

"And now the mall's still there with the greatest of respect.

"The asbestos is in the Hourstons building, it's not in the Arran Mall.

"I'm just concerned that we're paying rates on a building that, if it had been demolished, we wouldn't be paying the same rates."

Ms Cox replied that the decision had been to demolish both the Arran Mall and Hourstons and that a structural survey had been required.

Cllr Dowey clarified that the decision was based on recommendations provided by officers, rather than by councillors themselves.