South Ayrshire Council planners rubber stamp community park proposals for coastal town

Daily Record

07-05-2025

The site of the former Vogue Cinema and bingo hall had been earmarked for the exciting development.
South Ayrshire Council planners have approved proposals to create a new multi-purpose community park in the heart of Girvan.
Ayrshire Live previously revealed that the site of the former Vogue Cinema and bingo hall had been earmarked for the exciting development.
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Now the proposals have been given the green light under delegated powers. And the plan is to create a public realm space on vacant land at 89 Dalrymple Street.
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'Palace Park' is the provisional name given to the project.
The plan is to establish a 'relaxing space' and a 'retreat' in the centre of Girvan, provide a nod to the town's history with the former Art Deco cinema, host market stalls and festivities, showcase the work of local artists and much more.
Agents in the proposals were Glasgow-based LDA Design.
In their design statement the firm said: 'This land covers a gap site once housing a cinema building, latterly used as a bingo hall.
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'The building was unsafe and was demolished in 2021. This proposal seeks to instigate a multi-purpose community park.'
It is also hoped that the new public realm space would help kick-start the local economy through the provision of a 'nearby attraction.'
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In addition, it's also understood that the space could be utilised for the Girvan Arts Festival to host events.
And with the McKechnie Institute nearby, the new outdoor space could serve as an 'outdoor extension' to events and exhibitions hosted by the institute.
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The statement continues: 'A combination of permanent attractions and changing events and exhibitions would ensure a breadth of interest in the new space. Permanent attractions draw visitors through the main access, along what is quite a narrow passageway from Dalrymple Street.'
Holding interest for children will be a 'key draw' in the final plan and 'elements of incidental and explorative play,' are expected to feature in the final design.
Trees and plants will also be a main consideration, as will adequate seating and 'accessible furniture' for those visiting the park.
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Security gates would be erected, too, and the one proposed at Dalrymple Street would be 'inspired by the old cinema facade' and become the 'grand gateway' to the park.
The existing one at Wesley Place will be retained.
Murals from local artists will also be central to the proposals, providing a 'contemporary street art feel' to the space, and 'draw people through the foyer.' A sculpture is also part of the proposals.
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Early sketch visualisations also show a proposed town crest seating wall.
In approving the plan council papers said: 'The proposal seeks to create a multi-functional public park on the vacant land at 89 Dalrymple Street. The design aims to honour the historical context of the site, commemorating its past as a 1930s art deco cinema and later as a bingo hall, while providing a new central green space for the community of Girvan.
'The proposed park will enhance the existing urban environment by providing a community space that fosters social interaction, leisure, and recreational activities.
"The development will improve the local environment, offering a welcoming space for relaxation, recreation, and cultural activities.'