Exciting plans to revamp the former Ayr Grammar School have been given the green light.

Proposals have been put forward by Creative Designs Ltd for the building, which has been vacant for several years. 

Thousands of pupils passed through its doors for more than 100 years in its former life, but the building has been subject to low-level vandalism in the past few years. 

A planning application was lodged with South Ayrshire Council back in February to transform the site into a "town centre destination" that would include retail, hospitality and residential offerings. 

The plans proposed converting the former school into a mixed use development containing residential, retail, restaurant and ancillary spaces. 

Planning documents stated: "A new entrance is proposed on the principal elevation of the building allowing access into the heart of the former school.

"The ground floor classrooms are retained as open spaces well suited to the proposed retail use with little subdivision.

"The entry route leads through to the main stairwell, opened up to its original form by the removal of the unfortunate storage towers. This in turn gives access to the former gymnasium, the focal point of the building where the new restaurant use provides a public celebration of the former spaces.

"The upper floor classrooms are given over to residential use with independent access provided via a new stair and lift. The smaller ancillary building of janitors house and modern classrooms form three new residential units with independent access.

"The site itself is proposed to be landscaped to create a welcoming new planted forecourt leading to the entrance."

Only minor changes will be made to the exterior of the building, and the applicants believe the new use would have less impact than the site's previous life as a school. 

Council planners stated that no objections had been received for the plans, and recommended the application for approval. 

Documents added: “There are no policy objections to this application, and it is considered that the proposals will have a neutral impact on the character, appearance or setting of the listed building.

"Given the assessment of the proposals and having balanced the applicant’s rights against the general interest, it is recommended that the application is approved.”