Integrated Urban Development Plan (pdf) - Make It Kilmarnock

out-of-town malls like Silverburn
• negative = However, antisocial behaviour in the town
centre is a real problem. This is strongly linked to the
concentration of methadone dispensing in town centre
pharmacies, and is a strong deterrent to people of all
ages coming into the town centre, particularly around
the Bus Station entrance
• there is a clear need to foster a more positive spirit and
build confidence and pride about the centre of town
Kilmarnock bus station
2.1.2 Make the town more attractive and competitive
• It was recognised that it is important for the town
centre to be competitive: clean, well-maintained,
welcoming, safe and attractive public realm – perhaps
even covered?
• Broadening the shopping offer is really important to
people – both bigger name/brand shops (e.g. Primark)
and also local independents (see also theme 8 below)
• Having more things going on in the town centre with a
good programme of activities/events in public spaces
(see 9 also), a wider range of events in venues like the
Palace, and a creche for kids while parents shop, etc
• Derelict/uncared for buildings and spaces need to be
fixed: particularly along John Finnie Street (especially
the Opera House), Sandbed Street and the river (both
of which are seen as having great potential), and the
northern and southern edges of the town centre (its
“front doors”)
• Addressing the number of abandoned shops – and the
rundown appearance they create – is a big concern.
There was an appeal for these to be put to more positive
use
• The 1960s/1970s redevelopments NE of the Cross are
unloved – the Bus Station especially (unwelcoming
during the day, unsafe at night), but also the Burns Mall,
the Palace underpass, the Foregate, the Clydesdale Bank
and the multi-storey car park.
• Built heritage is acknowledged to be a valuable asset
6 | MAKE IT KILMARNOCK BOARD | EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL