One of Ayr’s best-known landmarks could be transformed into a new £16 million civic square under major regeneration plans going before councillors this week.
Burns Statue Square, currently dominated by traffic circulating around the Robert Burns statue and war memorial, would be redesigned as a greener public space intended to create a new gateway into Ayr town centre.
Final designs for the ambitious project will be considered by South Ayrshire Council on Thursday, 10 September, following months of consultation with residents and businesses.
If councillors give the plans the go-ahead, work is expected to begin in January 2027 and could be completed by spring 2028. The development would still require the necessary planning approvals.
The £16 million scheme is being delivered by Ayrshire Roads Alliance on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, with funding coming from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.
It will be the first of ten major projects intended to transform Ayr town centre.
At the heart of the plans is an attempt to turn Burns Statue Square from what the council describes as a “traffic-dominated” roundabout into somewhere people actually want to spend time.
New trees, planting, seating and improved public spaces would be introduced around the historic square.
The proposals would also create opportunities for pavement cafés and events, potentially changing the character of an area which currently acts primarily as a transport junction.
Following public consultation, the designs have been revised to address concerns about parking, access and deliveries to businesses.
A new car park is proposed beside the Astoria Cinema, including blue badge spaces and electric vehicle charging points. Bus stops would be relocated and a new pedestrian crossing introduced, while loading areas would be retained for surrounding businesses.
Burns Statue Square developed during the 19th century as an important arrival point for people coming into Ayr from the nearby railway station and gradually became a major transport and commercial hub.
Its centrepiece is the bronze statue of Robert Burns created by Scottish sculptor George Anderson Lawson.
Commissioned by Ayr Burns Club and gifted to the town, the monument was unveiled in 1891 and depicts Scotland’s national bard standing on an Aberdeen granite pedestal.
The South African War Memorial, created by sculptor Sir Thomas Brock, was subsequently erected in the square in 1902.
Under the new proposals, the square’s association with Burns could be developed further.
Local primary school pupils are expected to become involved in an arts project creating sculptures inspired by animals and species appearing in Burns’ poetry. The artworks could eventually be incorporated into the regenerated square.
The project comes during a period of significant change in Ayr town centre.
The opening of the Astoria Cinema has already brought a new leisure use to the area, while South Ayrshire Council is progressing plans for the redevelopment of the former Arran Mall and Hourstons sites.
If approved this week, the project would represent one of the most substantial changes to this part of Ayr in generations, with a new public square designed around people, greenery and the town’s connection to Robert Burns.