Work on the £16 million project, which has been given funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, is anticipated to begin early next year - subject to planning. 

The project will facilitate a new gateway to Ayr town centre and a civic area that supports residents, visitors and businesses, and reflects the square’s heritage by celebrating Robert Burns’ fondness for nature. 

According to public opinion, the new design embraces a greater amount of greenery and a more solid local identity with better access and loading bays for businesses.

Since the early 19th century, Burns Statue Square has served as a focal point of the town centre. 

The square was originally developed as a major arrival point from the railway station, but later it developed into a key transport interchange and commercial hub. 

In 1882, its cultural importance was solidified through the unveiling of the bronze statue of Robert Burns by architect George A Lawson, which was followed by the South African War Memorial during 1902, which was created by Thomas Brock.