The group behind ambitious plans to restore the 117 year-old Girvan Bandstand and turn it into an events space and cafe have been given the green light to carry out the work.
The Adventure Centre for Education group, who brought the bandstand into community ownership earlier this year, has been granted permission to transform the iconic structure.
They previously lodged a planning application with South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission for a change of use to the bandstand and for alteration work to be carried out.
Now the proposals have been approved, work on the structure is expected to gather pace in the coming months.
A statement from the group revealed that once operational, nine people will be employed at the hub.
The statement goes on: “We anticipate the Bandstand Café will be open all year round, including Bank Holidays. It will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and January 1st and 2nd.
“We plan to employ nine members of staff, including: bandstand operations manager, marketing and events officer, catering manager, cleaner, cook and catering assistants/waiting staff (x4).”
The hub is expected to be closed on Mondays, but its operational opening times look set to be Tuesdays (11am–7pm), Wednesdays (11am–7pm), Thursdays (11am–7pm), Fridays (11am–7pm), Saturdays (11am–7pm), Sundays (11am–5pm).
The operational statement continues: “Both hot and cold food will be made available, including soups, sandwiches, cakes, toasties, paninis, bagels, and hot and cold drinks. We do not anticipate selling fried hot foods such as chips, burgers and sausages as there are enough locations in Girvan who already provide this option.”
There will also be the option of settling down on the bandstand veranda during the warmer days so that patrons can enjoy the views of the stunning Ayrshire coastline.
Ayrshire Live previously unveiled the concept designs which show a fully restored and refurbished bandstand with the same character, shape and footprint it always had.
There will also be a takeaway hatch for walkers and adventurers.
Papers also show that the scheme will be run as a “social enterprise” creating work experience programmes for young people and people getting back into work.
In addition, the building will also be hired for small functions, events and pop-ups. Toilets will be open to members of the public.
Behind the project is Adventure Centre for Education (ACE), a community-based charity that delivers a wide range of outdoor activity days and training courses to suit individuals and groups of all levels of ability and aspiration.
The group was boosted earlier this year by a successful application for funding to the Architectural Heritage Fund, meaning they had much-needed cash to compile a business strategy in relation to the bandstand – which had been lying vacant for two decades.
Fronting the redevelopment is The Bandstand Project, who are working in association with ACE.
In approving the planning application council papers said: “The application proposals involve the reuse of a vacant former bandstand to form a café and events space. It is noted that the building is located along within a public park adjacent to Girvan seafront, which is considered to be an area visited by both residents of and tourists to South Ayrshire.
“It is also acknowledged that food and drink and leisure uses are ordinarily directed towards town centre areas. However, considering that the proposed use of the building will bring a vacant building back into use and will also reflect the historic use of the building, as well as improving tourist facilities at this locale, it is not considered that this location is inappropriate for the uses proposed in this instance. It is recommended that the application be approved, subject to conditions.“
The bandstand was built in 1907 after Stair Park was gifted to the community by the Bargany Estate in 1875. It is a single storey building built of brick, concrete, wood, tile and original ironwork.
Originally built as a tea kiosk, it was used to provide refreshments to locals and hundreds of tourists who visited Girvan. It also played host to seaside entertainers including Pierrot Troupes and musicians.
In the 1960s when seaside entertainment waned, the building was used by various community groups including a meeting place for elderly people.
It then became vacant and fell into disrepair in the 1990s and has lain empty since.
In recent years, part of the floor has collapsed, and the building has been victim to instances of antisocial behaviour.
