Fun for all in Galston as new town hall officially opens
Galston town centre was a hive of activity on Friday as locals turned out for the official opening of the newly restored Town Hall and to participate in a family fun event in the new open-air square.
As one of Galston’s most prominent buildings, the Town Hall has been brought back into public use following a £4m restoration project undertaken by East Ayrshire Council, and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council had the honour of officially opening the new facility.
Councillor Reid said:
“This is a huge honour to officially open this new facility today. This is a celebration of renewal, investment, and community pride and it’s wonderful to see so many generations of the Galston community gathered under one roof.
“The Town Hall has long been the beating heart of this town, serving as the Council’s local office for many years. The building is steeped in rich local heritage, and it has been beautifully preserved, to create a modern, accessible, and vibrant hub for the local community once again.
“Throughout this magnificent facility, our local heritage is proudly displayed - honouring the incredible history and pioneering spirit of the people who shaped this valley - figures like Lady Flora Hastings, our famous poet Janet Little, and the Reverend Robert Stirling.
“What makes this project truly special is how the building has been reimagined to serve the everyday needs of local people; the new library provides a new a fantastic new home for readers of all ages; the skills and learning hub offers a dedicated space to help our young people and adults achieve their full potential; the our beautifully restored first-floor chamber is now an adaptable venue for local meetings, groups and exhibitions; and of course, the new outdoor area – specifically designed for community events, a perfect location for outdoor gatherings and celebrations - just like today's family fun day.
“This is a space for the people of Galston - a space for your celebrations, your groups, your voices, and your shared memories - and I hope it is enjoyed by future generations in this town for years to come.”
Councillor Reid was joined by Lillian Jones MP, Alan Brown MSP, and Councillors Linda Mabon, Claire Maitland, Elaine Cowan, Sally Cogley and Kevin McGregor, and members of Galston Community Council and Galston Development Trust and officer representatives from Ayrshire 360 and East Ayrshire Council.
The refurbishment of the Town Hall commenced in January 2024, with Clark Contracts as the main contractor. The works were completed in March 2026. Local company Character Joinery were commissioned to restore the original chambers desk, repurposing it into a magnificent piece of local craftsmanship that now proudly sits at the heart of the new library facility.
The new facility offers a new location for the public library, which has relocated from Henrietta Street, and a skills and learning hub to help local people gain the skills required to progress into work and learning.
The main chamber on the first floor which features wooden panelling, a large fireplace and decorative ceiling has been preserved and will be available for community use as a flexible space for meetings and small events and exhibitions, alongside a new square for outdoor events.
The project received finding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.