Hopes Kilmarnock bus station makeover could be ready by Christmas now in doubt

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hopes that the final phase of the £4 million refurbishment of Kilmarnock bus station would be completed before Christmas are in question after delays involving steel supplies.The project, funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, was due to be completed in the autumn but this has now been pushed back.At a meeting of East Ayrshire Council's cabinet, Labour depute leader Barry Douglas asked: "I believe there's been some delays to getting some of the steel that is required."I just wondered if there were any issues that we're aware of in relation to costs and the time scales for that delivery."The council's service manager for architecture and asset planning, Simon Bell, responded: "I was advised that that there is a delay at the bus station due to supply and materials."We're looking into the detail of that and just what the impact will be in terms of progress and the completion date."But it is around about steel and the issues that they are facing in the market just now."Council leader Douglas Reid said it was a key issue and added: "I think it is important that we are updated but also if we keep the public updated."All eyes are in the bus station and any project the council undertakes, but the bus station in particular."Council officials said that contractors WH Kirkwood are currently working on the final £2.5m phase of the scheme to improve the town's bus station.A spokesperson explained: "The work has been delayed pending the completion of a steelwork redesign and potential cost implications have still to be identified."The project was due to complete October/November 2023 and a revised programme is due to be submitted by the contractor."This phase of work includes safety improvements, lighting, accessibility for