Ayr Town Centre
is Changing...
Burns Statue Square
Since its development in the early nineteenth century Burns Statue Square has been a location of civic pride and a defining landmark within Ayr town centre.
Originally serving as a key arrival point from the town station, the Square developed into a major transport interchange, attracting shops and offices to the area. Soon its cultural symbolism was to take on global recognition when architect, George A Lawson unveiled a bronze statue of Robert Burns. Other notable features were added including the free-standing cast-iron street clock, the ornamental fountain and in 1902 the South African war memorial, created by Thomas Brock was erected in memory of the men of the Royal Scots Fusiliers who died in many campaigns including the Boer Wars.
Today the Square remains a place of historic and cultural importance in the heart of Ayr.
A new vision.
Recognising its prominence, the Square is one of ten priority projects identified by South Ayrshire Council within a project framework to regenerate and invest in developing Ayr town centre.
The town itself is on the cusp of change with a recent flurry of both public private investment featuring a number of new projects that will enhance the vicinity.
The ambition at Burns Statue Square is to create a new gateway to the south of Ayr town centre and transform the traffic dominated island into a vibrant civic space with striking public realm, creating a destination area for people to visit and dwell with the potential for pavement café use.
Spearheaded by Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, the first stage of the £16m project will be to host a public and business consultation on initial design concepts in May, with detailed proposals scheduled to be unveiled in late August. A final design will be presented to South Ayrshire Council in September and, if approved, construction will begin in January 2027 and will be completed in spring 2028.
