The demolition of the Foregate multi-storey car park in Kilmarnock is set to start on Monday, with work programmed to last for 30 weeks.

During this period, James Shaw Lane to Foregate Square will temporarily close to traffic and taxis, however, pedestrian access to the bus station, Burns Mall and the shops at The Foregate will not be affected. 

Foregate North car park will operate as normal and the taxi rank currently situated in James Shaw Lane will move temporarily to Portland Street.

The decision to demolish the car park was based predominantly on health and safety recommendations, taking into account the deterioration of the building, the low occupancy levels and the considerable costs that would have been required to restore it to an acceptable and safe standard.

To remedy the loss of spaces within the multi-storey, new car parks have been constructed at London Road and Sturrock Street, with another at Grange Street due to start construction soon.

Various potential alternative uses for this space are currently being considered by the council and a number of consultations have taken place to work out the best options for the site.