Plans are in motion to revamp a historic bandstand into a vibrant café and events center tailored for outdoor and sea activities.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Adventure Centre for Education (ACE), a community-based charity renowned for its diverse outdoor activity offerings catering to individuals and groups across all skill levels and interests.
Making the announcement via social media, The Bandstand Project, in collaboration with ACE, disclosed, “Our bid to acquire the Bandstand has been finalized by Ayr Sheriff Court. With no objections received, ACE is soon to take ownership of the bandstand.”
“While the conveyancing process is underway, we express our gratitude to the community for steadfast support. We are eager to restore and refurbish this iconic structure, returning it to the heart of the community,” they added.
The news of the impending community asset transfer has garnered widespread praise across social media platforms.
Ken McLatchie reminisced, “Good luck! The bandstand holds significant memories from my childhood, particularly the concerts in the 60s.”
Sharon Rowan echoed the sentiment, stating, “Absolutely fantastic. Restoring the bandstand to its former glory is long overdue. Kudos to all involved.”
Catriona Cochrane chimed in, “Brilliant news! It’s a testament to your dedication. Here’s to an exciting future!”
Last year, South Ayrshire Council initiated a public consultation regarding the potential transfer of the Stair Park bandstand into community ownership.
Explaining the proposal, the council highlighted, “The Girvan Bandstand, currently abandoned, is slated to be sold to a Girvan-based social enterprise. The redevelopment aims to transform it into a café and events hub, equipped for outdoor and sea activities.”
Anticipated benefits of the redevelopment include increased tourism, enhanced facilities for outdoor and water-based activities, and the revitalization of a dormant property into a productive asset.
Further details on the ambitious project are slated to be unveiled during a public event scheduled for June.
“We invite the community to join us in June, where we’ll unveil our plans for the Bandstand’s future. Share your photos, stories, and memories with us,” The Bandstand Project encouraged.
In a significant boost, ACE secured funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) for the renovation project. The grant, awarded through the William Grant Foundation Tailored Support Fund, will facilitate crucial viability assessments, community engagements, and operational planning.
Expressing gratitude, Zanne Domoney-Lyttle, Funding Officer for Adventure Centre for Education, remarked, “We are thrilled to receive grant funding for the Bandstand Project in Girvan. This funding marks a pivotal step in our restoration journey, bringing the Bandstand closer to its revival for the Girvan community.”
Constructed in 1907, the Girvan Bandstand is a historic structure crafted from brick, concrete, wood, tile, and ironwork. Initially serving as a tea kiosk, it stands as a symbol of the town’s heritage and community spirit.