South Ayrshire Councillors have agreed new designs for the redevelopment of Burns Statue Square.
Subject to planning, work on the £16m project, which has received funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, is expected to start early 2027.
The new design will create a distinct new gateway to the town centre and a welcoming civic space that supports residents, visitors and businesses, and celebrates the square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature. Based on public opinion, the new design embraces more greenery and a stronger local identity with improved accessibility and loading bays for businesses.
Burns Statue Square has been a defining landmark in Ayr town centre since the early nineteenth century. Originally developed as a key arrival point from the railway station, the square evolved into a major transport interchange and commercial hub. Its cultural significance was cemented in 1882 with the unveiling of the bronze statue of Robert Burns by architect George A Lawson, followed by the South African War Memorial in 1902, created by Thomas Brock.
