Integrated Urban Development Plan (pdf) - Make It Kilmarnock

Any vision and proposals for change must be couched in
terms of realism, as this study takes place at a time of
deep economic uncertainty. The country has been in the
grip of a severe economic downturn since 2008. Property
development remains sluggish and public spending is being
reduced, a trend which is almost certain to continue in the
short to medium term. In summary, the immediate context
is characterised by uncertainty and difficulty in securing
investment.
The vision and proposals put forward in this report
must respond realistically and sensitively to the limited
possibilities of the moment, yet also set positive aspirations
as longer term goals of investment and change.
It is important to emphasise that this plan is an integrated
urban development plan, that connects across a number of
sectors, seeking a transformative impact from lots of smaller
scale actions.
future development, whilst also addressing employment,
retail, education, cultural, living and visitor perspectives.
Community engagement has been an important part of
preparing the IUDP.
The brief required that the IUDP
• should identify key development opportunity sites, and
• put forward development and place-making principles
to guide planning policy and design frameworks for the
town centre.
• promote high quality “place-making”, recognising the
unique qualities of Kilmarnock and enhancing the
town’s built environment and public spaces by setting
out principles to create a more lively, attractive, healthy
and sustainable town.
detail of the Clydesdale bank building on East George Street
aims of the plan
The Integrated Urban Development Plan (IUDP) for
Kilmarnock was commissioned by the Make it Kilmarnock
Board and in the autumn of 2010, and funded by East Ayrshire
Council and Diageo. Its focus was on the central area of
the town, in and around the town centre, and including
the Diageo site. The aim is to address the immediate and
forthcoming needs of the town, both for residents, but also
for business and visitors, by generating a forward-looking,
yet deliverable vision. It replaces the Kilmarnock Town Centre
Strategy produced in 2005.
The Plan is the result of intensive discussion and analysis
in late 2010 and early 2011 about the future of the town.
The objective of the vision is to chart a viable future for the
town and its centre, creating a revitalised heart and soul
by using Kilmarnock’s rich heritage as a springboard for
2 | MAKE IT KILMARNOCK BOARD | EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL