An in-depth study of the area surrounding Stumpy Tower has been carried out by a working party under South Ayrshire Council Divisional Housing Manager David Burns.
And in identifying aspects that create a poor impression for visitors to the resort, the team highlights how the Stumpy Corner end of Dalrymple Street could once again become a vital hub for the Carrick community.
According to a report released last week, the tower's location provides it with high visual interest and it is recognised as a key point of reference for tourists, residents and businesses alike, close to Girvan's main shops, harbour and seafront.
It describes Knockcushan Gardens as a hidden treasure behind the old Townhouse. Behind the garden and aviary lies a derelict open space and the new 'Make it Happen' community group is keen to develop the land and provide a cohesive link.
However, the working party acknowledges that any plans for Stumpy Corner and Knockcushan Gardens will require the commitment and support of the town's volunteer Entertainments and Attractions Association.
So-called 'Placemaking' workshops had praised Stumpy's visibility from all directions and the openness of the corner site and the fact that stakeholders liked how the garden was peaceful, secluded, safe, flat and aesthetically pleasing.
But they also revealed the downside: most of Stumpy Corner has dirty red and
yellow paving slabs and many of these are broken and dangerous to walk on; the King's Arms wall is dirty and existing stone planters needed cleaning; the light gratings to highlight Stumpy are full of leaves.
Residents pointed out that Stumpy can be dark in the evenings. CCTV cameras
operating there are of no use, as the street lights don't cover the corner site.
The area is also exposed to bad weather and winds from the Atlantic hitting the seafront and there is no feeling of Stumpy Corner being the focal point of Girvan's activities.
Under the Placemaking workshop 'vision', used to identify short and long-term
priorities, the site is: "A focal point for the community and visitors alike, Stumpy Corner is the linkage and connection between the harbour, seafront and town centre. Being the vibrant heart of Girvan, the corner is a hub of activity where a range of people gather throughout the day and year."
Now the aim is to: improve the visual appearance of Stumpy and the surrounding area; address the functionality of the corner to accommodate activities and events; promote events while providing tourist information resources; expand and develop the 'Stumpy Experience' including historical linkages; consider a local champion to promote Stumpy as a venue for arts, performances and cultural activities; create greater awareness and usage of Knockcushan Gardens and greater links to the harbour and town centre shopping district.
To improve the overall appearance, the report suggests introducing year-round colour through seasonal planting strategies, taking into account exposure to the elements: "To assist with longer term planter and seating design, existing plants and seating could be moved at very little cost to identify the impact this has on people's usage of the corner.
"Seats could be grouped or orientation changed to make best use of sunlight and interaction opportunities. Planters could be used to create rooms rather than acting as access barriers.
"The recent painting of the old King's Arms Hotel makes the wall appear dull
and the wall could be painted to match the old hotel. This would instantly improve the visual appearance of the corner, which has a dull first impression.
"Longer term, there may be a possibility to consider a water feature within Stumpy Corner or a water wall. The existing interpretation signs are weathered and are difficult to read. Therefore, the engraving should be repainted to make the stonework easy to
read and understand."
With regard to the landscaping, the slabbing was identified as particularly
dirty and in need of repair: "In the short term, it is recommended that local
volunteers could be involved in clean-up days and slab washing.
"Longer term, the slabs could be replaced with cobbles or whinn setts
to provide a greater feeling of being in an area of high value. This could also
include replacement of all existing broken slabs."
In promoting it as the gateway to the shopping district, the report proposes: "To identify Stumpy Corner as a place of interest and arrival at a destination of importance, trees,
flags or masts could be considered along Knockcushan Street at Stumpy Corner.
"This could be developed as a theme for all places of interest in Girvan to identify key locations to tourists.
"Alternatively, temporary exhibits could be used to provide activities throughout the
year. The steps currently act as a barrier to the corner and these should be developed
into one of the site's assets. This could include replacing some of the steps with soil
or placing planters at strategic locations without restricting access.
"Local groups have in the past attempted to use the wall as a marketing tool through
display of banners and this could be expanded upon.
"Art sculptures and topiary that encourages interaction for children should also be considered to attract families to the area. Two-way seating could also be considered at
Dalrymple Street to provide people with the opportunity to face on to the main street or to face Stumpy."
Additionally, the report's authors state: "The existing direction fingers provide unclear directions to nearby facilities and do not advise how far these locations are from Stumpy.
"It is suggested that the fingers could be painted, with distances added, advising how far to each location or they could be removed and replaced with more appropriate
signage.
"In the longer term, it was suggested that Stumpy Corner could be used by
local businesses as an outdoor area to provide teas and coffees. This could be
achieved through the provision of portable tables and chairs that can be folded away
at night and manned by a coffee kiosk or serviced from nearby businesses (eg
copuccino police boxes)."
To protect people from the inclement weather, ideas included a coffee
shop with tourist information point, a community facility or a multi-purpose zone
that would become an area for young people in the evening.
Any such plans would have to consider the impact on local businesses or the soon-to-open youth centre on Dalrymple Street.
The report also takes into consideration wind barriers to tackle the weather issues, proposals to improve public safety, particularly at night and the type of events that could draw people to Stumpy Corner and point them towards other attractions across Carrick.
Girvan Community Council chairman Alec Clarke told the Carrick Gazette: "I am aware of the evaluation work being carried out by David Burns which includes working with Greenspace Scotland.
"Members of the community council were part of the group which first looked at the potential of making these open public spaces come alive and I think that David Burns and his colleagues should be commended and encouraged to take this work forward in a way which could realise the full potential of open urban spaces such as Stumpy Corner and Knockushan Gardens.
"A bit of resuscitation may awake a beating heart!"