Vacant buildings, retail and business development
Vacant buildings are not just a challenge but can be viewed as an opportunity for new businesses, fresh ideas and a more vibrant thriving high street.
This section sets out an overview of Vacant Buildings, Retail and Business Development projects, aspirational ideas and next steps for selected project
Development opportunities
In common with many other town centres in Scotland, Kilmarnock has vacant buildings in the town centre. When buildings stay empty long term, it can make a street feel less cared for, reduce footfall and slowly affect confidence from shoppers, residents, businesses and investors. This then has an impact on perception and momentum.
We know through our discussions, experience and the success of our "shop local" campaigns that town centre users have demonstrated a strong sense of community with a desire to support local traders and service providers through shopping in the area to help keep money circulating in the local economy - a positive trend that is likely to continue.
There are many reasons for the vacant buildings and sites including economic, locational or physical constraints, however a lack of financial viability remains a common theme.
The current position
Survey work carried in Spring 2025 showed that 78 ground floor units were vacant. This equated to 13,784m2 of floorspace. This showed a slight increase in vacant units from 2019 when we had 73 units and 13,328m2 of vacant ground floorspace.
By mapping the vacant units we can see that they tend to be distributed through the town centre, but the marjoriy of larger units above 200sqmetres are clustered in King Street. This adds to the perception of decline and damaging of civic pride.
A number of these large buildings have been vacant for more than five years, and one, the former ABC Cinema in Titchfield Street has been vacant for 27 years
Retail refocus: Independent businesses
Kilmarnock has an opportunity to redefine its town centre, by moving away from reliance on large national retailers and creating a vibrant destination built around independent businesses, local creativity and community enterprise.
The regeneration strategy will prioritise small, flexible retail units that are affordable for start-ups, artisans, makers, cafés, specialist food retailers and family-run businesses. By lowering barriers to entry and supporting local entrepreneurs, the town centre can become a place that offers experiences and products unavailable elsewhere.
Alongside independent retail, Kilmarnock should actively support its creative sector by providing affordable studio space, galleries, performance venues and pop-up spaces for artists, designers, musicians and craftspeople. Public art, festivals, markets and cultural events would all help animate the town throughout the year, attracting visitors while strengthening local identity.
UK and Scottish Government engagement - MP and MSP collaboration and engagement
East Ayrshire Council is working with MSPs, MPs and Cabinet Ministers to lever further funding for Kilmarnock Town Centre Regeneration and to increase and strengthen the powers of the Council to enable us to reduce the number of vacant sites and buildings in private ownership and which have stalled for development.
Business engagement and commercial support
Not so long ago retail in Kilmarnock Town Centre, and King Street in particular, was anchored by nationally recognised names. Nationally the landscape of retail has changed dramatically. and most of these retailers have now gone, leaving vacant properties and a loss of purpose and destination.
Services such as banks and building societies have also reduced their offer in the town centre with a shift to online services reducing the need for people to make regular trips into the town centre.
Kilmarnock has always had a strong presence of small independent businesses clustering in Bank Street, the Foregate, Titchfield Street and John Finnie Street. Over the centuries they've added to the character and attraction of the town centre by offering something different to the nationally recognised shops and other town centres. These smaller, independent businesses, have always been at the core of the town centre.
As the town centre adapts to changing shopping patterns and the requirements for customers, more artisan and bespoke businesses and services such as beauty, health and hobby uses are becoming the focus of our town centre giving the customer a different town centre experience. We recognise that in the current economic climate these businesses need our support to strengthen this sector for the future health of the town centre.
The Kilmarnock business community is represented primarily through the Kilmarnock Business Association (The KBA) which represents both retail and non-retail businesses in Kilmarnock town centre. The association works in partnership with East Ayrshire Council to maintain open communication and to collaborate on key initiatives that enhance opportunities for local businesses. Working with the Chair of KBA. we've set up an ambassador network for King Street, Bank Street, John Finnie Street, Titchfield Street and the Foregate which will meet regularly and engage with fellow businesses in terms of the masterplan, events and projects.
