King Street update - Friday 19 July

All businesses in the top section of the street - those closest to the Cross - have been given the all clear to prepare for reopening over the weekend.

This includes:

• Stewart Travel
• DM Fruit
• SK Hollywood Nails
• Killie Gold
• CEX
• Three
• New Look
• JD Sports

In addition, the Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday morning will proceed as planned, with additional traffic management in place. However, all other businesses must remain closed at this time as demolition machinery and large vehicles will still be present in the area.

We understand that businesses are keen to resume and we remain focussed facilitating that at the earliest possible opportunity but only when it is safe to do so. We thank the business community for their continued patience and understanding.

Our Business Support team held an online meeting this afternoon vis MS Teams for those businesses directly affected by the fire.

Demolition progress

Phase 1 demolition on King Street is now well underway and is on schedule for completion this evening (Friday 18 July) and as planned this has enabled the exclusion zone to be reduced from Friday evening. 

Utility companies will continue to assess properties in advance of reinstating power and water supplies.

ARA has undertaken a street safety inspection of the area to be re-opened and have found no problems.  

All businesses which occupied the demolished building can apply for £10k grant assistance from East Ayrshire council. Other affected neighbouring businesses may be eligible for a £3k grant. Full details will be launched next week, but businesses are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Demolition Phase 2 - Gable end and rear of building at Sandbed Street

Phase 2 of the demolition on Sandbed Street is on track and arrangements will be finalised early next week.

Displaced residents

Displaced residents are being assisted by our Housing Options service to find alternative accommodation.

Housing options · East Ayrshire Council