In 2021, Kilmarnock Town Centre started with a new look with the start of a project which has transformed the bottom end of King Street, opening a space beside the Kilmarnock Water to create an exciting new outdoor area for public use.
Caskie Ltd, one of Scotland’s leading demolition specialists, was appointed to carry out the work over 20 weeks, which saw the removal of the former Mothercare building on the corner of King Street and St Marnock Street.
The company started the demolition works on 6 January 2021, with the surrounding pavement closed to allow erection of scaffolding. The demolition works started with painstaking manual removal of the upper two floors, followed by mechanical demolition to the ground floor.
Local contractors Hamilton Tarmac, appointed by Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA), built an access lane for use by the tenants and owners of nearby businesses. The contractors also built the diagonal path through the site, taking pedestrians from St Marnock Street to Titchfield Street. New path improvements
Lighting and furnishings
The path has lighting, and the area is furnished with planters, benches, tables, and bins.
New trees
Two new cherry trees and a fir tree were planted at St Marnock Square in 2024.
Power and water supplies
Utilities, power and water were disconnected to allow the demolition to take place. In 2024 these were reconnected so that our Greener Communities civic pride team, and interested community groups or event organisers, can easily maintain the site with renewed access to power and water.
Walking through history
You can now freely wander through the St Marnock Square and enjoy the land where the 19th century King Street Church once stood, until it was demolished in the mid-20th century.
You will also be following in the footsteps of Lady Ann Livingston Boyd, Countess of Kilmarnock, whose story is depicted in the St Marnock Square Mural.
Lady Ann Livingston Boyd
Find out about the Lady Ann Livingston Boyd Mural at St Marnock Square.
Photos and demolition videos
Geewhiz Digital Photography visited during the demolition works to record the progress. You can see their amazing drone photography and video footage at the following links:
Photos and videos
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