Since 2001, we have been working with the Roman Catholic Church as it considered options for the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Dalmilling, Ayr. As part of this process, we organised an architectural ideas competition.
Last year, the Church came to decision to transfer the Bishop’s cathedra from the Good Shepherd parish to St Margaret’s in Wallacetown, Ayr. Since then we have agreed to work with the Church to redevelop the former cathedral for affordable rented housing in a manner which respects the heritage of this grade C listed building.
Following a public consultation event on 24 July, we have now with the Church’s support lodged a planning application for the erection of 23 one, two and three bedroomed houses and flats. The proposals by Gordon Fleming of ARP Lorimer build on the architectural concept which won him the 2002 competition. They are all designed with maximum flexibility in mind in catering for varied and changing needs.
We are also pleased to have worked with Scottish Churches Housing Action in the development of our proposal.
It is hoped that construction will start in the New Year.