The shell of the former pub and shop next door to its Ayr office is being transformed to provide a new reception area for its tenants as well as spacious community facilities. Contractor 3B Construction is working to designs by ARPL Architects.

It will be a place for collaborations with community groups and voluntary societies. There will be space for small and larger meetings and events for up to 40 people with AV facilities, ‘pop-up’ advice points and exhibitions. The facilities will either be free to use or subject to modest charges to cover services provided. It will be complete in the spring and available for use as soon as the current restrictions ease.

Ayrshire Housing director Jim Whiston said: “We’re confident that there will a real need for such a spacious meeting place as we move back to normality. We want to help community groups and voluntary societies reconnect with their members and the general public.”