Plan to open new swimming pool in Ayr town centre branded a 'crazy idea'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Owners of a swimming school are aiming to make a splash with a proposed new site in Ayr town centre.Proposals have been submitted to build a swimming pool within a former office in 57-59 Kyle Street, right next to the busy Ayr Central Shopping Centre.But one woman who lives close to the site has branded the scheme as a “crazy idea.”The proposals are for a change of use from Class 2 (Office) to form Class 11 (Leisure).Behind the swimming school proposals is The Swim PT Ltd, who are looking to move into Kyle Street and set up at the former Routes to Employment HQ.In a supporting statement from the Swim PT Ltd, the firm said: “The Swim PT Ltd is owned by Louise Downie, who provides a swimming school for all ages and abilities.“Her current premises is located outwith the town centre, in a rural location and she is looking to relocate to make her business more accessible.”The firm say that 57 to 59 Kyle Street provides the “perfect location” for this type of business.The proposals include* training pool* changing facilities* staff area* store* reception* toilets and changing area* Staff tearoomThe statement goes on: “It is a currently vacant office which was most recently used by “Routes to Employment,” a council-run service to get people into work.“It is on the periphery of the shopping area.“One of the main client groups is young children and babies and the service relocating to this area will allow it to be more accessible to more people.”The applicant hopes the new business venture will provide a “new reason” for people to travel into town and “provide an opportunity” for someone to remain in the town and spend money within local businesses.They also reckon the proposals are something which ”should be encouraged and