Maybole Regeneration project.

The Maybole Regeneration Project is four-year regeneration project investing up to £7.5 million in the town centre so it becomes a better place to live, work and visit for residents, businesses and visitors to Carrick’s ancient Capital. It relaunched this month with a new website and grant portal for local shops.

A new era, free from heavy traffic in the town centre is almost here for the historic Burgh town of Maybole, through the long-awaited opening of the A77 town bypass.

Wider pavements, cycle paths and traffic calming measures on the High Street are just some of the initiatives planned, but while physical measures can improve the look and health of the area, the regeneration of the High Street depends on how everyone in the local community interacts with the proposed changes, according to those behind the Project.

Councillor Brian McGinley, Economy and Culture Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said, “The new bypass presents a golden opportunity to redevelop the town of Maybole. Not only will pedestrian safety be vastly improved, visitors will have more opportunities to explore the town as we address issues such as parking.  South Ayrshire Council is proud to support the Regeneration Project and the Project Team is working hand in hand with local organisations to deliver results.”

The first community “Audit of Needs” was carried out way back in 2012 and even then, a thriving shopping area was a key ambition in the place-making of a stronger community. Nearly a decade later, with regeneration cash now in place and funding to improve shops and pedestrian areas in the town centre now available, what the town needs most of all is for people to consider changing their habits.

Mark Fletcher, Chair of the Maybole Community Council, adds, “Almost £8 million in investment will make a real difference to the fabric of the town centre but lasting value will come from within the community; choosing to shop locally and support local growers, producers and retailers.

The recent Lockdown brought into sharp focus the importance of local shops and it was the smaller shops, such as our local butcher who stepped up and kept households supplied.

The phrase “Use it or lose it” has been said many times but Maybole needs the creativity and support of its residents, both to create appropriate retail opportunities and importantly, to support them. To re-invent the story of the town is going to take the whole community.”

Through the new website www.regeneratingmaybole.scot, individual grants of up to £25,0000 are available for the upgrade of shop fronts. Key historic buildings are being restored and advice given to householders on how to maintain nearby dwellings to compatible standards.

Duncan Clelland, Project Lead for the Maybole Regeneration Project says, “Much thought is also being given to pedestrian and cycle routes to let people enjoy the town centre again, free from heavy traffic. Maybole needs people to keep revisiting the town centre as it evolves; providing input and supporting existing businesses.

The support of local people is crucial to encouraging others to enrich the available mix of shops and cafes.”

While Maybole’s town centre evolution is in process, new opportunities will continue to emerge. Mark Fletcher says, “This area is rich in produce with high quality meat, fish, fruit and veg all available locally. This would easily lend itself to a Farmers’ Market, raising food quality and lowering air miles.

Accepted wisdom is that a pound spent on local goods translates into five pounds for the Maybole economy, while a pound spent in a shop owned by a multinational corporation, contributes little. We need to restore the mentality of being a Market Town and use regeneration as a springboard to become the community that we say we long to be.”

• The Maybole Regeneration Project is four-year regeneration project investing up to £7.5 million in the town centre so it becomes an even better place to live, work and visit for residents, businesses and visitors to Carrick’s ancient Capital
• The A77 is due to open 2021, removing heavy traffic and increasing air quality in Maybole.
• The Maybole Outstanding Conservation Area was designated in 1974.
• The Maybole Regeneration Project includes a shopfront improvement scheme, set up to enhance shop fronts. Grants of up to 80% are available to owners and tenants within the eligible area for high-quality repair and restoration works. Grants may be applied for up to £25,000
• Information for homeowners within the designated Conservation zone is available to download from the new website, entitled “A Guide to Traditional Building Repair and Maintenance in Maybole”. This provides practical advice to help owners of traditional buildings – both within and outside the conservation area – maintain their properties to a high standard while enhancing the historic character of the area.
• A Maybole Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) was agreed in 2018. The CAMP provides the framework how Maybole Conservation Area will be managed over the next 10 years. This document is available on South Ayrshire Website
• The Maybole Community Development Plan can be found at https://nccbc.org.uk/north-carrick-action-plans/
• The new website was developed by Launch Digital in Ayr https://www.launchscotland.com