Ayr County Buildings

South Ayrshire Council appointed MAST to develop a comprehensive repair strategy for the Category B- Listed County Buildings in Ayr’s town centre. Years of piecemeal temporary repairs had left the complex roofscape and upper-level windows in need of a more coordinated approach, with the overriding aim of protecting the historic fabric and securing the building’s continued use.

Following an extensive programme of surveys and condition assessment, MAST prepared a detailed scheme of works covering the repair, renewal and replacement of roof coverings, windows and associated details. Particular care was taken to understand the existing construction and identify where previous interventions had contributed to ongoing maintenance issues.

The conservation approach sought to retain and reinstate historic detailing wherever possible, while introducing carefully considered improvements to increase durability in the building’s exposed coastal setting. New and replacement elements were designed to respect the character of the original fabric while providing greater resilience and reducing the likelihood of repeated short-term repairs.

Improved roof access also formed an important part of the project. Safe routes and maintenance provisions were incorporated within the complex roof area, allowing future inspection and repair work to be undertaken more effectively and helping support the building’s long-term management.

Works were delivered in two phases while the County Buildings remained fully occupied by South Ayrshire Council. Careful programming and coordination were therefore essential to minimise disruption to staff and maintain the day-to-day operation of the building throughout construction.

The completed project provided a durable and conservation-led solution to a longstanding maintenance challenge, safeguarding an important civic building for future use.