06/05/2026
ROSE GARDEN SHELTER
As you may have seen South Ayrshire Council have posted this 'consultation' regarding the shelter in the Rose Garden at Victory Park. Based on feedback we have received we have had the shelter inspected by a master stonemason and sent the response below to the email address listed. We urge you to email your reponses to [email protected] regardless of your opinion, as this is how you will get your voice heard.
Our Response:
"We are writing to formally lodge a strong objection to the proposed demolition of the shelter/bandstand located within the Rose Gardens of Victory Park, Girvan.
Girvan Community Council represents the local residents and as such reject the Council’s assertion that this structure is "not fit for repair." This objection is based on the following material considerations:
1. Independent Professional Evidence
We have consulted a Master Stonemason who has conducted a physical inspection of the structure. Contrary to the Council’s assessment, the professional findings confirm the shelter is structurally sound, is not in "terrible condition," and is entirely viable for restoration. We believe the Council’s decision to demolish is based on an incomplete or overly pessimistic survey that does not reflect the technical reality of the stonework.
2. Contradiction of the "Girvan’s Story" Project
South Ayrshire Council is currently invested in the Girvan’s Story Project, which explicitly aims to protect and restore the town's built heritage. Proposing the demolition of a restorable, historic asset in Victory Park is a direct contradiction of this strategic objective. It is a waste of cultural capital to destroy original craftsmanship only to replace it with a modern structure.
3. Common Good and Heritage Significance
Victory Park is Common Good land, gifted to the people of Girvan for "all time coming." This shelter is not just a building; it is a physical link to our social history. We argue that the Council has a fiduciary and moral duty to maintain and repair Common Good assets rather than dispose of them.
4. Precedent for Restoration
The successful ongoing restoration of the Stair Park Bandstand proves that derelict structures in Girvan can be saved through community partnership and heritage funding. We request that the Council halts all demolition plans to allow for a joint feasibility study based on the repair estimates we have obtained.
Conclusion
We formally request that this objection be noted in the consultation record. We also request a site meeting between Council officials and our Master Stonemason to review the structural evidence before any further steps toward demolition are taken."
Have your say on the future of the bandstand in the Rose Gardens at Victory Park, Girvan! 🗣️
We would like to hear your views on proposals to replace the bandstand in the Rose Gardens at Victory Park, Girvan.
The consultation includes two traditional design options, along with proposals to improve accessibility, upgrade paths and add seating to help make the area more welcoming.
Your feedback will help shape the final design.
🗓️ The consultation closes on 19 May 2026.
Find out more and view the designs here 👉 https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/83051/Replacement-of-Bandstand-Rose-Gardens-Victory-Park-Girvan
🗨️ Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by post to South Ayrshire Council, Professional Design Services, Ayr KA7 1DR.
