Radical plans could see part of Kilmarnock's one-way system scrapped

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Council leader Douglas Reid says a plan to reinstate two way traffic in Sturrock Street in Kilmarnock is an example of East Ayrshire Council being 'radical where we need to be'.At its final meeting of the council in 2023, councillors heard how plans for the town centre were progressing, including work to 'repurpose' the multi storey car park.Kevin Braidwood, head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance, told the meeting: "The purpose of this report is to provide council with an update on the repurposing of the multi-storey car park site and to seek approval for the rerouting of the Infinity Loop and the opening up the Sturrock Street to two way traffic.A year ago, the council agreed that part of the multi storey site would be used to develop an electric vehicle charging and cycling mobility hub with improved pedestrian links to the bus station and train station.It would also act as the starting point for the Infinity Loop.

The remainder of the site would be used to create a ' fully serviced high quality civic space'.In his report, Mr Braidwood stated that this could hold outdoor events such as markets, outdoor theatre while public art would also be incorporated.A designer has now been appointed and is expected to bring a concept and feasibility study to the council in March with more detailed design put before councillors in June.Mr Braidwood also told members that contract documents had been prepared for the design of a segregated two-way cycleway and the return of two way traffic to Sturrock Street.The community will bee asked for their views as part of the wider Infinity Loop consultation which is already underway.Councillor Reid said: "I welcome this now and hopefully it can move forward at some kind of pace because we really