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East Ayrshire Council have announced plans that could see the transformation of Kilmarnock town centre.

And the local authority are asking the public to have their say on the proposed facelift, the biggest improvement proposal of its kind for years.

The plans were unveiled late on Wednesday morning and would see the demolition of some retail units, opening up King Street to Sandbed Street.

Announcing the plans, Councillor Jim Roberts, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said he was “confident” the plans would “rediscover and redefine” the town centre’s character.

He said: “The town centre plays a multi-faceted role in the lives of Kilmarnock’s residents.

“Sitting at the heart of the community, it provides a range of places and spaces for people to meet, live, work and enjoy.

“Consultants engaged by the council have produced a range of different proposals for improving these areas and it is important that we get the public’s views on these. We will be asking people to vote for the ones which they feel

should be prioritised.”

Visually, the proposals would be significant, with shoppers looking onto the back of Bank Street with the former Talk Talk and Tech Doctor units removed.

Aimed at enhancing the appearance of the town centre, the plans are the result of proposals put forward to the council following an open invitation for improvement plans issued in May 2016.

That was as part of the ‘Celebrate Kilmarnock’ town centre action plan, which complements the 2011 Integrated Urban Development Plan.

TGP Landscape Architects have submitted proposals which focus on four key areas within the town centre – the Foregate, Sandbed Street, an extension of the shopping area and John Finnie Street embankment.

Public engagement events will take place on Saturday, October 28, from 2pm to 4.30pm at the Citizen’s Advice offices in Foregate Square, Kilmarnock.

This event will be held in tandem with consultation activity on proposals for improvements to the Kilmarnock Bus Station which will be led by Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Smith Findlay Architects.

Councillor Roberts said: “In terms of the bus station, we see this project as one with immense potential to change not only the physical environment, but tackle the troubling social issues which have damaged the station’s reputation.

“Kilmarnock Bus Station has lost its sense of identity but we are confident that this project will rediscover and redefine its character and will deliver a revitalised public transport hub for residents, visitors and commuters alike.”

Commercial stakeholders will be invited to have their say on November 15 from 5pm to 6.30pm at the same venue.

The outcomes from these engagement sessions will be presented to cabinet early in the New Year.