Work starts on site to revitalise Kilmarnock’s floral clock
18/11/2011 13:35:03
As drivers, pedestrians and rail passengers in Kilmarnock town centre will probably have noticed, work has now started on the redevelopment of the floral clock at Kilmarnock railway station.
Driven forward by East Ayrshire Council, and with significant support from the Railway Heritage Trust, the improvement project will see this key location transformed with a new clock face, imaginative lighting and new hard and soft landscaping.
The redevelopment project will provide a striking and eye catching feature on what is one of the town’s most prominent sites. By investing in the public realm and improving the attractiveness of the town centre, and in particular the approach to the railway station, it is anticipated that the project will help to create further
interest and investment in the town.
The work is being carried out by Landscapes and Contracts Ltd, with the design work and professional support being provided by David Wilson Associates. The project is programmed to last until March, with a two week shutdown over the Christmas period. The construction methods being used have been carefully considered to ensure there is minimal disruption both to traffic within the town centre and to pedestrians accessing the railway station, particular crucial at this busy time of year in the run up to Christmas.
The redevelopment of the floral clock is just one of a number of projects being carried out at this key location within the town centre. With the help of £1.15 million of funding secured through a successful application to the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund, large scale public realm improvements have been carried out over the last year throughout the conservation area, including the area to the front of the railway station. This is in addition to the work currently underway to redevelop and bring back into use the former Opera House site and the landscape improvements that are being made to the embankment on
the opposite side of John Finnie Street.
Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to see the floral clock project start on site. Although this exciting project has not been an easy one to get off the ground, the Council has remained fully committed to seeing it happen, and has received valuable support
from the Railway Heritage Trust and Network Rail. I am sure when completed the project will prove a real focal point within the town centre and will provide yet another milestone for the regeneration of the town.”
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