South Ayrshire Council closed the Girvan swimming pool in January 2009. The adjacent Beach Pavilion has been dark for a much longer period. Now, South Ayrshire Council will be invited to approve the demolition of these facilities when they meet on 26th January, 2010.
In a withering report, that dismisses the Partnership Project established to save and re-open the pool, council officials recommend that "the demolition of the swimming pool and the attached buildings should now proceed with costs estimated to be in the order of £270,000 . . ." This recommendations in the report neglects to mention that the attached buildings include the Beach Pavilion (theatre) although it is acknowledged later in the report that the pavilion is part of the site.
If the report is approved, South Ayrshire Council will spend approximately £400,000 during the current year demolishing theatres and other recreational buildings. This is 20% of the capital sum that is likely to be required to restore the swimming pool for the benefit of the community. The obvious benefits will be the creation of better roundabout and an improved car park.
Once again, there has been no public consultation in the preparation of the report.
At their meeting earlier today, South Ayrshire Council agreed to the demolition of Girvan Beach Pavilion and the adjacent swimming pool.
Although there are no clear alternative proposals for regeneration in this community, the partnership bid to reopen the swimming pool was described by the leader of the SNP group as second best; "While the community bid looks and sounds good on the surface, the outcomes and uncertainties it offers for local communities in Girvan really are second best."
The council is now committed to spending some £260,000 on the demolition and a further £250,000 on considering how to redevelop the area.
Council Leader Hugh Henry told the meeting, "We're committing £250,000 to take the first steps of the journey to build the momentum that will transform this part of South Ayrshire and create the town we both want and need Girvan to be.
Meanwhile, Girvan will get a better quality car park.
Reflecting on the possibility of sustained regeneration in Girvan, one is reminded of one of Frank Sinatra's many hits. (No prize for guessing which one.)