Funds will be allocated to various projects including Ayr Town Hall and Troon Concert and Walker Halls. These venues are set to receive a substantial upgrade to audio, visual and production equipment to bring specifications up to a modern standard.

It is expected that this investment will help drive additional footfall into town centres, bringing wider benefits to hospitality and supporting local businesses.  

The halls host a wide variety of community events, including concerts; fundraising events; weddings and civil ceremonies; markets and exhibitions; awards ceremonies; meetings of local groups and clubs and more. Planned improvements to the halls will  create further income generation opportunities for the Council,  providing an opportunity to host a wider and more varied programme of events.

PBIP funding will also support the relocation of the ‘Poet and Scholar’ sculpture by Scottish artist Doug Cocker from its currently position on Ayr High Street, close to the Grain Exchange, to Rozelle Park.

Relocation of the sculpture, which is partially obscured from view in its current location, would allow for greater appreciation of the artwork amongst other existing sculpture works in Rozelle, contributing to the creation of a larger “sculpture park” with Ronald Rae’s stone sculptures, the Story Stroll, and the Remembrance Woodland already in situ.

Funding will also be provided to assist community groups, organisations, and businesses with the delivery of projects and initiatives. £73,466 will be available for Community Groups and organisations to apply for grants of £10,000 and above that supports Place Principles including 20-minute neighbourhoods, Community Wealth Building and Community Led Action Plans.

South Ayrshire Council’s depute leader and policy lead for commercial/operational services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: “I’m delighted that the Council has received funding to allow us to support events, culture, and tourism in South Ayrshire.”

Councillor Clark, whose portfolio includes cultural services and tourism, added: “Upgrading our venues is an important step towards expanding our own provision of events and encouraging a wider range of bookings in our fantastic halls, with wider benefits to town centre regeneration.

“The investment of funding in arts, culture, and events projects shows our continued dedication to promoting South Ayrshire as a destination of choice and a hub of great entertainment.”