Integrated Urban Development Plan (pdf) - Make It Kilmarnock

2.1.6 Connecting places in and around the town centre
There is a need to better connect the town centre with
greenspaces (Howard Park and Kay Park), civic area (Dick
Institute, existing College site etc), Queens Drive retail and
leisure
• develop a more positive entrepreneurial spirit amongst
public sector, a “can do” attitude to support small local
private and social enterprise
• aspiration for greener lifestyles – build on having first
bio-buses in Britain
• one-way system is too much of a barrier to connections
between the town centre and surrounding assets and
neighbourhoods – traffic dominates at the expense of
pedestrian/cyclist movement
• at Sturrock St/ Green St, physical design as well as traffic
create a formidable barrier
• need easy, non-car-based movement between Queens
Drive and the town centre – e.g. high quality, regular,
cheap/free shuttle bus – preferably eco-friendly
2.1.7 Connecting people and organisations
Public, private and voluntary sectors need to work to each
other’s mutual benefit much more – creating a better town
centre needs commitment and input from each of them
• this covers politicians, Council officers, College, other
public sector, businesses, social enterprises, community
groups – all need to connect up better, linking the good
things that are happening
• need more flexibility, more entrepreneurial attitudes
and more equal dialogue/support across partners
2.1.9 Celebrate Kilmarnock
There is a need for better, more proactive strategic
promotion - to celebrate the town’s identity, pride and what
it has to offer – what’s on activity guide – all this is as much
for the town’s own residents as for external markets
• for many people outside Kilmarnock, their most recent
perception is BBC’s The Scheme – which was relatively
negative – and needs short term tactical response
• how attractive might the tourist offer be? ...would the
Burns connection, “Kilmarnock Dean Castle”, the legacy
of Johnnie Walker and the built heritage attract people?
should we have a tourist information centre? could we
integrate better with Ayrshire’s big tourist draws such as
Prestwick Airport, Alloway and Troon?
• Building up pride and confidence was seen as a key
objective over time
2.2 built and natural environment
Overview :
2.1.8 Independent Kilmarnock - small businesses and
enterprises
• foster independent shops, businesses and social
enterprises - locally based for local people
• support existing businesses who want to grow and
invest in the town – some of whom are substantial
In physical terms, much of Kilmarnock is attractive and
distinctive. A substantial part of the fabric of the town
is made up of a series of residential neighbourhoods of
different ages, many of which have their own retail centres,
schools and community hubs. Two of these neighbourhoods
are Conservation Areas which are close to the town centre.
Part of the attraction and distinctiveness of the town also
lies in its extensive parks and greenspace with some of these
running into the town centre itself. Industrial areas of the
8 | MAKE IT KILMARNOCK BOARD | EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL