East Ayrshire Conservatives are saddened at yesterday's devastating news that Marks & Spencer is planning to close its Kilmarnock town centre store on King Street in Winter 2026, coinciding with the opening of a new, larger M&S superstore at Queen's Drive Retail Park. Although the proposed new store would feature an expanded food hall and an "improved shopping environment", it is nonetheless a major hammer blow to an already decimated Kilmarnock Town Centre.
East Ayrshire Conservatives believe we now need a ‘New’ bold plan to reinvigorate and revitalise the Town Centre in Kilmarnock and will work with the other political groups to achieve this:
We support ‘Removing Parking Charges’ in Kilmarnock's Council-owned car parks. Free Parking would encourage more shoppers and visitors to support high street businesses.
We support a review of the current Parking provision in Kilmarnock, currently it is extremely difficult to get a parking space at ‘peak’ times.
We support an increased police presence in Kilmarnock Town Centre: putting more police officers on our streets will help to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour that harm local businesses and communities.
We support Business rates exemptions: The Scottish Conservatives have proposed allowing councils to create business rates-free zones in high streets and town centres to stimulate local economies.
We support the creation of a ‘New’ Bold Plan for Kilmarnock which can be formulated by meaningful conversation with Local Businesses, Community Groups and real consultation with Town Centre users.
The Scottish Conservatives policies for high streets in Scotland focus on a range of fiscal, planning, and community-focused measures aimed at revitalising town centres. The proposals include significant reforms to business rates, efforts to reduce retail crime, and local planning powers.
Councillor John McFadzean, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group said “With the devastating news that Marks & Spencer are leaving its Kings Street Store next year, we now urgently need to review the current direction of the Town Centre’s redevelopment. This closure is a significant setback for Kilmarnock town centre's future, which continues to struggle to retain retailers amid the current challenging financial climate. With this news we must expedite a bold new strategy to reflect the changing landscape and in the meantime I encourage everyone to continue to shop local.”
