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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.
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.
