Regeneration project breathes new life into the heart of Galston town centre
One of Galston’s most prominent buildings has been brought back into public use, following a £3.45m restoration project undertaken by East Ayrshire Council.
The new Galston Town Hall will officially open its doors to the public on Wednesday 8 April 2026, offering a new location for the public library, and a skills and learning hub to enhance further the Council’s commitment to giving local people the skills to learn and work.
The refurbishment officially got underway in January 2024, with Clark Contracts as the main contractor. The works were officially completed on 10 March 2026 and since then the Council and East Ayrshire Leisure Trust have been putting the finishing touches in readiness for the opening.
The local library, managed by East Ayrshire Leisure Trust, has relocated from Henrietta Street. This now occupies a large part of the ground floor, alongside a Skills and Learning hub to support residents looking for support to help them find employment and an area to support community use.
The Skills and Learning hub will support young people, adults and parents gain the skills to progress into work and learning. The facility in Galston is based on the model of SL33 in Kilmarnock, offering a one-stop-shop to streamline communication and referrals and eradicate duplication in services. Specific service delivery includes bespoke support for young people six months from statutory school leave dates; specific employability support for care-experienced clients; a sector skills programme for clients of all ages with disabilities and a range of parental employability programmes.
The building which houses the new Galston Town Hall has been preserved in a way which retains connections to the style of the surrounding buildings. Sitting in the heart of the Galston Conservation Area, 11 Cross Street dates back to 1925 and is in the traditional baronial style with red sandstone features, including a balcony, turret, and decorative stone carvings.
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.
Throughout this restoration project, accessibility has been a major consideration, both inside and out. The space is open, welcoming, and adaptable. A lift has been installed connecting all levels and new ramps and stairs connect the public space down to the car park on Church Lane, providing a new connection in the town, making it easier to move around.
The town’s history and heritage are also reflected throughout the building, with legendary figures like Lady Flora Hastings, Janet Little – ‘the Scotch Milkmaid’ and Alison Begbie – ‘Peggy Alison’ making an appearance. The Rev. Robert Stirling and the Stirling Engine have not been forgotten with a miniature replica of this pioneering feat of engineering also on display.
The opening hours of the Galston Library initially will be Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm, eventually moving to seven days, depending on demand.