One of Ayr town centre’s most fondly remembered buildings is set to be brought back into public use through an ambitious new food, arts and community project.
Narture CIC, a community arts and food social enterprise based in Ayr, is taking over the former Beatties Toy Shop at 25 Newmarket Street.
The new project, known as the Auld Toy Shop, will focus on creativity, play, skills development, community participation and town centre regeneration.
A public launch event will take place on Friday, July 31, from 4pm until 8pm, giving local people the opportunity to explore the building, meet the team and find out how they can become involved.
The event is free and open to everyone.
Beatties Toy Shop was a familiar part of Ayr town centre for more than 35 years and remains fondly remembered by generations of local families.
However, the Newmarket Street premises have remained empty for around 12 years.
Narture CIC hopes to transform the vacant unit into a lively civic space where food, art, imagination and public conversation can come together.
The group says the Auld Toy Shop will not simply reopen as another retail business, but as a place where people can share memories, learn new skills, take part in creative activities and help shape ideas for the future of Ayr.
The project also aims to demonstrate how long-term empty properties can be repurposed to support cultural participation, civic pride and wider town centre regeneration.
For many local residents, the building is associated with childhood memories, family visits and the excitement of choosing toys.
Narture CIC intends to honour that history while giving the property a completely new purpose.
Co-founder Robert Singer said: “The Auld Toy Shop is more than a building. It is a place held in the memory of the town.
“Many people remember it with affection, and we want to honour that by bringing it back into civic use as a place of imagination, play, food, art and public conversation.
“Narture began as an experimental kitchen and bakery, but the deeper purpose has always been to show how food can sustain creativity, and creativity can regenerate the town.”
Co-founder Saskia Singer said artists could play an important role in helping communities express their feelings, preserve important memories and imagine new possibilities.
She said: “Through the Auld Toy Shop, we want to create a warm, welcoming space where people can share ideas for the future of Ayr and see those ideas take creative form.”
The project has been supported by landlord David Milne of Milne Properties, who is described as a strong supporter of town centre regeneration.
Creative Scotland has also provided £230,000 in funding to support the recruitment of a team of enthusiastic and versatile art practitioners.
Narture CIC is also working with a growing network of local supporters, sponsors, volunteers and partner organisations who believe empty buildings should be brought back into use for the benefit of the community.
Through public engagement, workshops and creative activities, the Auld Toy Shop will encourage people to turn their thoughts, stories, memories and hopes into ideas for Ayr’s future.
The official launch takes place at 25 Newmarket Street, Ayr, on Friday, July 31, from 4pm until 8pm.