Repurposing and Retrofit Panel

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The Repurposing and Retrofit Panel is a new vehicle to assist in bringing vacant buildings back into use. Much of the initial work of the Panel will concentrate around the following six buildings:

  • Former BHS, King Stree
  • Former Curves, John Finnie Street
  • Former ABC Cinema, Titchfield Street
  • Former House of Frasers/ Lauders Emporium, King Street
  • Former Top Shop, Portland Street
  • Former Superdrug, King Street

Composition

The Repurposing Panel comprises a “pool” of professionals working in:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Surveying
  • Planning
  • Development/Industry
  • Regeneration
  • Environmental sustainability

We also welcome other related professions, people or groups, such as members of the Local Business Community, that the Panel feels would add value to the process .

Remit

What does the panel do?

The Panel first convened in January 2026. Set up by East Ayrshire Council, it functions as an independent body of experts brought together in the name of collaboration.

The Panel’s remit is to:

  • Engage
  • Collaborate
  • Enable
  • Inspire.

It suggests new uses for buildings in a constructive and partnership environment. Rather than being reactive or complacent to the overall problems highlighted, the panel takes a proactive approach in addressing the blight of empty buildings.

Notably, the Technical Panel abides by the principles of openness, honesty, and will to share ideas on prospective units as they visit them.


First visit - Former Frasers Building

Read the report of our first Panel visit to the Former Frasers Building

The Repurposing and Retrofit Panel is a new vehicle to assist in bringing vacant buildings back into use. Much of the initial work of the Panel will concentrate around the following six buildings:

  • Former BHS, King Stree
  • Former Curves, John Finnie Street
  • Former ABC Cinema, Titchfield Street
  • Former House of Frasers/ Lauders Emporium, King Street
  • Former Top Shop, Portland Street
  • Former Superdrug, King Street

Composition

The Repurposing Panel comprises a “pool” of professionals working in:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Surveying
  • Planning
  • Development/Industry
  • Regeneration
  • Environmental sustainability

We also welcome other related professions, people or groups, such as members of the Local Business Community, that the Panel feels would add value to the process .

Remit

What does the panel do?

The Panel first convened in January 2026. Set up by East Ayrshire Council, it functions as an independent body of experts brought together in the name of collaboration.

The Panel’s remit is to:

  • Engage
  • Collaborate
  • Enable
  • Inspire.

It suggests new uses for buildings in a constructive and partnership environment. Rather than being reactive or complacent to the overall problems highlighted, the panel takes a proactive approach in addressing the blight of empty buildings.

Notably, the Technical Panel abides by the principles of openness, honesty, and will to share ideas on prospective units as they visit them.


First visit - Former Frasers Building

Read the report of our first Panel visit to the Former Frasers Building

  • Thank you for taking part in our Repurposing Panel, we'd like to hear your feedback on our first visit, please give us your thoughts with our brief feedback form. 

    Complete Form
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  • Following our conversation with the owner of the Former ABC building in Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock we'd like to invite all members of the Reuse and Repurposing Panel to join us for a visit  during the week commencing  31 March. Please use this form to let us know which dates suit you best

    Complete Form
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Page last updated: 27 Mar 2026, 03:39 PM