Web/Facebook Update.
As you may know a presentation was held at the Troon Community Council (TCC) meeting on
March 7th, 2023, over the proposal to convert the Troon Library into an Early Years Centre
(EYC for Troon Primary) and to move the library to be located in the Town Hall.
There are ongoing consultation meetings being held and details can be found here:
The commitment from South Ayrshire Council (SAC) is to engage with the people of Troon before
any final decision over this is made.
At the meeting on 7th March, some strong views were expressed over this proposal,
Unfortunately, there have been rumours circulating that the library was to close which are
not correct.
It is important that a representative view is put forward over this project, therefore TCC are
asking that as many people get involved in this consultation to ensure that these views are
represented in the final outcome. You can check the FAQ document on SAC web site here:
Some points that were covered at the meeting:-
SAC have a statutory obligation to provide an EYC for Troon Primary.
A budget of up to £1.4 million is available to upgrade the library to an EYC centre.
A budget of nearly £500,000 pounds is available to upgrade the Town Hall into a
new library which could include a revamped service centre.
Renovating the ground floor of the municipal building to become the new library (with
potential additional capability relating to customer services).
Renovating the existing library to become the new Troon EYC.
The Cabin being knocked down and the clubs that use this being relocated to new
premises.
Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, including disabled access to the
Town Hall if the library is moved there with increased footfall.
Discussing the impact on safety and traffic levels and parking in Ayr Street if the EYC
goes ahead.
Looking for an alternative site for the EYC, SAC officers stated that they had already
considered available options with no obvious site being suitable that would meet the
required statutory regulations.
As always there are pluses and negatives in this proposal. All parties should be looking at
what the best option is going forward.
TCC would urge that the community take the opportunity to participate in the engagement
process, provide feedback, ask questions and express any views and ideas on creating the
best future solution on this proposal.
During one engagement session – a member of the community talked about “thinking
outside the box” and going beyond current thinking and trying to create more
transformative change. Some additional ideas and suggestions on this theme could include
for example:
Transforming Troon library to become an enhanced community hub and culture,
heritage and events facility
Partnering with the C K Marr Educational Trust Board of Governors exploring the
potential to create the Troon Library and C.K. Marr Heritage and Exhibition
Centre
Looking for innovations that take some of the future aspirations described in the
“Troon Together” Report and building these into future library and community
hub development plans with a focus on enhancing engagement across all sectors
and ages of the community.
Please do take the opportunity to engage, participate and make your views known to your
Ward Councillors and the SAC Officers running the engagement sessions and contribute to
creating the future of Troon.