LMA Architects is seeking listed building consent to partially demolish the building in Alloway Street - but retain its historic facade.

The site is set to be transformed into a £30 million Care Village, alongside the renovation of the former Arran Mall. New offices and facilities would be set up in most of the existing Hourstons building.

These facilities would include welcoming public areas and spaces, family centres, meeting facilities, as well as both permanent and flexible working office space for SAC and NHS staff all under one roof.

An Ageing Well Village would be created in the space of the Arran Mall, including a Care Village and more general “housing for varying needs”.

This development would also include day care facilities, recovery focused residential units, a Bairns Hoose facility, family centre, families for youths leaving care, parking spaces, and a new GP services building.

South Ayrshire Council will work with the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (SAHSCP) and NHS Ayrshire & Arran on the project. The plans could involve the relocation of SAHSCP services from premises currently owned by the council.

The architecture practice aims to preserve the main façade of the building, which is described as in “serious disrepair”.

Planning documents state: “The Hourstons Building has been derelict since early 2019. Due to the fragile condition of the original part of the building, an LBC (Listed Building Consent) and Planning Approval for demolishing over 80 per cent of it, and retaining the shell of the original building was granted in 2021, as part of a scheme for a new leisure centre on the site.

“This scheme was abandoned, and in the interim period the building has fallen into further serious disrepair. Water penetration, ingress, break-ins and vandalism have led to dilapidation of its fabric.

“The floors have become depressed in areas, ceilings have collapsed, and it is currently deemed unsafe to enter for surveys and inspections, due to its condition and disturbance of asbestos present in the fabric.

“There is a concern that this will only continue, to the point where the entire building may be lost. The intention to demolish these areas and retain the façade is an effort to save the publicly visible parts of it that maintain how it is perceived as a building, and the areas noted of interest in its listing.”

The statement adds: “The demolition of the Arran Mall and large portions of the Hourstons building would clear the site, removing the risk of dilapidation or potential fires and loss of the listed building. The retained façade would then be preserved until the relevant approvals could be obtained to start the first phase.

“The infrastructure for the whole site would be included in this phase, as well as the essential access and parking.”

The architects say that new proposals will be brought following the demolition to develop the remaining spaces, with no change to the appearance of Alloway Street.

Hourstons closed in February 2019 after 123 years in business in the town, with the loss of 81 jobs.