Kilmarnock Masterplan - Poets’ Corner work to begin soon
The site of the much admired Robert Burns Mural at the corner of John Dickie Street and Strand Street in Kilmarnock will be undergoing a makeover in June, as work starts on a brand new public feature and events space, named Poets' Corner.
The project is part of the overall “Kilmarnock Masterplan” – one of many projects being undertaken now and, in the future, to enhance Kilmarnock’s townscape, natural and built environment to boost wellbeing, prosperity and opportunities for everyone who lives and works in the town.
Work will commence on 19 June to create a public space in front of the mural and will include the installation of an ornamental bench complete with planters and an ironwork inscription featuring a verse of Burns’ famous poem “The Ordination”, which celebrates the people of Kilmarnock.
The East Ayrshire Council team behind the Masterplan has been meeting for some time, together with elected members, partners from community groups, the private and non-profit sectors, Ayrshire 360 and Ayrshire Roads Alliance to identify what needs done and where, and pull together funding and expertise to create a co-ordinated plan of action to revitalise the town.
Commenting on the impending work, Council Leader Douglas Reid said: “Poets’ Corner is just one in a series of projects under consideration as part of our wider Masterplan for Kilmarnock. Positioned immediately under the watch of our famous bard, and immediately adjacent to the headquarters building for the World Burns Federation – the location of such a venture could not be more perfect!
“Poets’ Corner will be an intimate event space where people can stop, learn more about Burns and his influence on the town and celebrate poetry in all its forms. It will be a focus for new poets and performers and is a very welcome addition to our town centre.”
Work on the new bench will be complete by 10 July, to coincide with the start of the Kilmarnock Burns Festival on Saturday 18 July. One of the first events will be the launch of a long running “Post a poem” feature encouraging people to write their own poetry verses.
To facilitate the installation of the new enhanced seating area, paving and planting, some temporary traffic lights and some on-street parking restrictions will be in place from 19 June.
Find out more about Poets’ Corner
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