A sense of place
A clean town
A clean and inviting environment is an important step in any successful town centre regeneration.
Masterplan projects will have clear care and maintenance strategies upon delivery, with consideration to integrate partnership working and community involvement. New bins will be trialed on King Street which will integrate sensor and solar technology.
As part of their early interventions programme We Make Kilmarnock are delivering a regular schedule of actions to brighten up and tidy up
Healthy, safe and accessible
These are core criteria that each project will embed in the design process.
Integrating health, safety and accessibility create resilient spaces by combing active travel infrastructure, inclusive design and civic spaces that foster health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
Art and culture
Kilmarnock is a place with a strong creative art and culture scene.
Developing a public art strategy for Kilmarnock town centre will help to support and celebrate local artists and encourage creative collaboration throughout the town.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events would act as a cornerstone of the town centre regeneration plans bringing vibrancy, footfall and a sense of community to the town centre.
High Street pop-ups, festive and farmer markets and community-led festivals boost local pride and animate public spaces. The Kilmarnock Festival and Killieween are regular events in the calendar. A seasonal events calendar will be developed encouraging partnership working with East Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire 360, Kilmarnock Business Association and the Town Centre Ambassadors.
Digital transformation
The masterplan will seek to integrate digital technology and innovation into projects and engage with partners to seek the best advancements in technology for our town centre.
We are working with BT to investigate the installation of BT Street Hubs and their benefits to the town centre together with developing a town centre 5G strategy and looking at ways of utilising solar powered technology. Ideas being explored including a town centre app for Kilmarnock town centre to give residents and visitors direct access to business directories,
digital loyalty schemes and events calendar.
Street furniture, way-finding and signage
Street furniture and signage are the foundations of successful town centres.
Well designed and carefully maintained street furniture and signage encourages and enhances social interaction, participation and the quality of life helping to bring communities together and attracting visitors to the town centre.
The current street furniture and signage was erected in early 1990s and it has stood the test of time, however a street furniture and way-finding strategy and design guide will be developed to review existing street furniture and signage to promote a co-ordinated approach throughout the town centre and across master planning projects.
A child friendly town
Kilmarnock has a significant opportunity to become one of Scotland’s leading child-friendly town centres by placing children, young people and families at the heart of future planning, regeneration and place-making.
This approach recognises that towns designed to meet the needs of children create healthier, safer and more inclusive places for everyone, supporting community wellbeing, economic vitality and environmental sustainability.
Investment in flexible public spaces, natural play opportunities, green infrastructure, accessible seating, family-friendly facilities, cultural programming and year-round events will create a town centre that is vibrant throughout the day and evening. Public spaces should encourage informal play, social interaction and intergenerational activity, helping children develop confidence and independence while fostering stronger community connections.
