Integrated Urban Development Plan (pdf) - Make It Kilmarnock

• poor quality new building in the town centre
• dislocation of the town centre from surrounding
residential areas by roads infrastructure
• contraction in the role of the town centre exacerbated
by competing attractions
• fragmentation of the urban fabric along High and Low
Glencairn Street
So in physical terms, there is a mismatch between the size
of the centre and the roles that it can play in the early 21st
century. Coupled with the current recession, this manifests
itself as:
eastern edge to a portion of the existing Conservation Area.
Streets within the Conservation Area are a combination of
some of the oldest and most historic streets in Kilmarnock
and some Victorian era additions, which are distinguished
by their straight lines. Bank Street and John Finnie Street
form twin spines of the Conservation Area, with most of the
other streets within it bisecting one or both of these streets.
The irregular street pattern of Bank Street and surrounding
streets such as Strand, Croft, Cheapside, College Wynd and
Low Church Lane provide a sharp contrast to the planned
• an inability to achieve development on key sites,
especially at the north end of the town centre
• high levels of vacancy, especially in more recently
constructed properties
Appreciation:
The commentary above has focused on some of the
challenges that face the town centre and while there are
many negative factors and difficulties to resolve, these
is also much that is positive and helps to provide a good
quality environment for people and businesses. There are
many assets which at the moment are under-utilised and
could provide the basis for substantial positive change in the
character of the town centre and the way in which it relates
to the rest of the town.
John Finnie Street, 1905 from “Ayrshire & Arran”, An illustrated Architectural
Guide, Rob Close
Kilmarnock Cross, late 19th century
A rich heritage:
Much of the west side of Kilmarnock town centre is covered
by the John Finnie Street and Bank Street Outstanding
Conservation Area. This area occupies a slightly sloping
site running up to the base of Mount Pleasant, the hill that
dominates the northern side of the town centre. The Railway
line and 23 span Viaduct forms a definite edge to the northern
part of the town centre. A stretch of the Kilmarnock Water,
behind Bank Street, traverses the town centre and forms the
10 | MAKE IT KILMARNOCK BOARD | EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL