Latest news with #DouglasReid
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Kilmarnock multi-storey car park demolition makes progress
The car park is expected to be removed by the end of July. The demolition of the multi-storey car park in Kilmarnock is continuing to make progress despite a number of complex issues hitting work. The structure is expected to be removed by the end of July with work to tidy up the site being undertaken throughout August. East Ayrshire Council has set up a Foregate Business Continuity Fund to support firms affected by ongoing work, which will provide targeted help to local eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses directly impacted by the multi-storey closure and demolition works. The fund aims to support those most affected by providing short-term financial assistance to help sustain business operations. The council's Economic Growth staff are also meeting the affected local traders to set out the grant proposals, eligibility criteria and evidence needed when submitting the online grant. The council has now been informed that its application to the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund in respect of enhancements to public realm and active travel works once the car park is demolished has been unsuccessful. It is working with the contractor to finalise the works they will undertake as part of the demolition contract whilst exploring opportunities for wider town centre regeneration which will incorporate this area. Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said: "We're very aware of the continued impact that the demolition has had on footfall within the immediate vicinity of the Foregate and the Council has supported businesses at this time through the introduction of the Foregate Business Continuity Fund. I would encourage customers to continue to support the local businesses. "The contractor has reassured us that all possible measures have been put in place to meet the revised completion date while recognising that health and safety remains the first priority. "This work is part of a huge multi-million pound regeneration of Kilmarnock that has included investment in the bus station, the planned refurbishment and modernisation of the Palace Theatre and Grand Hall, refurbishment of the Galleon Leisure Centre as well as developing further enhancements to the public realm and road network."
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Council leader wants to press UK Government on green energy infrastructure support
East Ayrshire Council Leader Douglas Reid will table a motion that cites Kilmarnock project as example. East Ayrshire Council will press the UK Government on the level of support it will provide to help the transition to net zero, if a motion to council is approved. SNP Council Leader, Councillor Douglas Reid, says that it is vital that the Labour Government provides clarity on the issue, emphasising the need to back companies to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place. He cited an agreement between HALO Kilmarnock and the subsea cabling manufacturer XLCC that could see the latter set up a headquarters in the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre, along with more than 300 jobs. His motion states: 'XLCC plan to bring 1200 new jobs to Ayrshire with the UK's first high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable factory in Hunterston and this partnership will result in more than 300 high-quality jobs being brought to Kilmarnock.' This would cover a wide range of professional disciplines including finance, sales, marketing, HR, skills development, digital and cyber security, design, engineering and project management, he added. Cllr Reid's motion continues: 'An investment of this magnitude will boost the economy and be a catalyst for regenerating the engineering sector both locally and regionally. 'This agreement in principle is to be welcomed as it will increase energy resilience within the UK while supporting our communities with high quality jobs. 'However, I am aware that clarification is required from the UK Government on proposals to deliver the green investment strategy and how they will support UK companies to develop and fund major infrastructure projects in the short term prior to worldwide contracts being realised over the next five years which will support the Just Transition towards Net Zero. 'I would therefore propose that the Council write to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to request an early meeting to clarify the UK Government's proposals to progress the delivery of this project at pace.'
