South Ayrshire Councillors have agreed new designs for the redevelopment of Burns Statue Square.

Subject to planning, work on the £16m project, which has received funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, is expected to start early 2027.

The new design will create a distinct new gateway to the town centre and a welcoming civic space that supports residents, visitors and businesses, and celebrates the square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature.  Based on public opinion, the new design embraces more greenery and a stronger local identity with improved accessibility and loading bays for businesses.

For further information:                 Sharon McEwan

                                                                        streets-uk

                                                                        07801 560 231

A new arts initiative is proposed in celebration of the 135^th anniversary of the Burns Statue in Burns Statue Square, Ayr which took place today – Wednesday 8 July.

The bronze statue which depicts the famous bard was originally commissioned by Ayr Burns Club.  It was gifted to the town council and unveiled to the public on the 8^th July 1891.  The sculpture, which sits on an Aberdeen granite plinth, was created by Scottish artist, George Anderson Lawson from Edinburgh who studied in Rome.

Proposed designs are currently being progressed by Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, to redevelop Burns Statue Square, home to the landmark sculpture.   They feature a welcoming civic space, with more greenery and public seating, creating a destination area for people to visit and enjoy.

The plans aim to celebrate the Square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature and local Ayr primary schools have been invited to take part.

If the plans are approved by South Ayrshire Council, the project will launch in the new term and involve local pupils designing a set of sculptures depicting the animals and species mentioned in Burns’ poems.   It is anticipated that the artwork will be incorporated within the Square.

Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader and Commercial/Operational Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council whose remit includes tourism said: “The Burns Statue is one of Ayr’s most important landmarks and this project provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate South Ayrshire’s unique connection to Robert Burns.

“By combining art, culture and heritage, we’re creating something that will enhance the visitor experience, encourage tourism and help even more people discover the stories that link our communities to Scotland’s National Bard. It’s especially fitting that local young people will play a leading role in shaping a space that honours Burns’ legacy for future generations.”

Lorimer Headley, President, Ayr Burns Club added: “It is wonderful to see young people playing such an important role in this special art programme, creating a lasting legacy that celebrates the remarkable life, works and enduring legacy of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.”

Results of a public engagement on the proposed new designs for Burns Statute Square will be made public later in the year.  Further information is available from www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk.

For further information:                 Sharon McEwan

                                                                        streets-uk

                                                                        07801 560 231

The public consultation for the proposed new designs for Burns Statue Square is set to close on Saturday 6^th June providing less than a week for people to lodge their views.

The plans are available to view at Carnegie Library, Main Street Ayr and online at www.burnsstatuesquare.com.  There is also the opportunity to take part in a survey, including one specifically for local businesses.

The proposed designs feature a welcoming civic space, that celebrates the Square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature, by introducing trees, planting and public seating, creating a destination area for people to visit and enjoy.

The road configuration would change and a new car park is proposed next to the Astoria Cinema alongside blue badge spaces and new EV charging stations. In addition to these proposals, bus stops would be relocated and a pedestrian crossing added.

Funding for the £16m project has been sourced from a UK Government Fund, known as the Local Regeneration Fund, and can only used for this project. 

Results of the public engagement will be made public late summer and presented to South Ayrshire Council elected members in September.

Further information is available from www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk, telephone, 0800 987 5990 or email BSS@streets-uk.com. 

Ends

For further information:                                Sharon McEwan

                                                                            Streets-uk

                                                                             07801 560 231

FOR BURNS STATUE SQUARE TRANSFORMATION

Local residents and businesses are being invited to take part in a public consultation on the proposed designs for the redevelopment of Burns Statue Square in Ayr.

When the consultation launches on Saturday 16 May, people will be able to view the plans, take part in a survey and talk to the project team at in person events which will take place on –

Saturday 16 May,    11am until 4pm,       Communities Fun Day

 Ayr Academy/Riverside Sports Arena, University Avenue

Saturday 16 May,   10am until 4pm,         Ayr Central Shopping Centre, Skye Square

Thursday 21 May,    3pm until 7pm,          Ayr Central Shopping Centre

The plans and survey can also be viewed online at www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk and people have until Saturday 6 June to complete the survey.

The £16m project is being delivered by Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council and aims to transform the traffic dominated island to create a distinct town centre gateway.  Proposed designs feature a welcoming civic space, that celebrates the Square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature, and will become a destination area for people to visit and enjoy.

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, a place of historic and cultural importance.

Recognising its prominence, Burns Statue Square is one of the ten priority projects identified by South Ayrshire Council.

Using traffic modelling systems, it is anticipated that proposed changes to the road configuration, which includes the realignment of the A70 carriageway southwards away from the south-facing building frontages, along with new signal timings, will lead to more efficient travel on the routes and faster journey times.

As well as redefining the shape, space and presentation of the square, new planting is proposed as well as informal bench seating creating a quality and attractive environment.

In a nod to Burns’ love of nature the proposed design of the Square will feature an interpretation of the local landscape such as meandering paving to represent a local river.

Councillor Brian Connolly, Council Leader and Economy and Strategy Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: “This £16 million investment represents a significant boost for Ayr’s economy, helping to create a more vibrant and attractive town centre that supports local businesses, encourages increased footfall, and strengthens Ayr’s appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors.”

Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader and Commercial/Operational Servies Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council whose remit includes transportation said:“The proposed redesign of Burns Statue Square will deliver meaningful improvements to traffic flow and journey times, while creating a safer and more efficient road layout that better serves motorists, pedestrians and public transport users alike.”

Councillor Chris Cullen, Leisure and Community Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said:“At the heart of this project is a commitment to our communities—creating a welcoming, accessible and high-quality public space where people can come together, celebrate our heritage, and enjoy a more people-focused environment in the centre of Ayr.”

Councillor Bob Shields, Planning and Regulatory Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: “We recognise that any proposed changes to traffic arrangements are of particular importance to businesses operating in and around Burns Statue Square. That’s why we are keen to hear directly from local traders as part of this consultation, to ensure their views help shape a design that not only improves connectivity and accessibility but also supports a thriving town centre economy.”

Funding for the £16m project has been secured from the Local Regeneration Fund, formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund.

Results of the public engagement will be made public late summer and presented to South Ayrshire Council elected members in September.

Details of the survey and further information is available from www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk, telephone, 0800 987 5990 or email BSS@streets-uk.com. 

Ends

For further information:                                Sharon McEwan

                                                                                          Streets-uk

                                                                                          07801 560 231