PRESS RELEASE: SAVE offers specialist conservation engineer to advise council on Ayr Station Hotel after fire

Ayr Station Hotel post fire - South Wing under scaffolding to the right (Credit: Ayrshire Post)
Ayr Station Hotel post fire - South Wing under scaffolding to the right (Credit: Ayrshire Post)

Ed Morton has long experience in fire-damaged historic and neglected buildings and could advise on how to salvage the listed landmark

5th October 2023

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has written to South Ayrshire Council (SAC) offering the services of an experienced conservation structural engineer to conduct a specialist survey of Ayr Station Hotel in order to assess the damage from the recent fire.

SAVE’s director, Henrietta Billings, wrote to SAC chief executive Mike Newall and the council’s building standards team leader Hugh Talbot yesterday to make the offer (October 4, letter here).

Ed Morton, managing director of the Morton Partnership, carried out a detailed condition survey of the Category B-listed building this summer so knows it better than most people.

Ed is now offering to go back in as a matter of urgency. Calling on his long experience of historic and neglected buildings, he would offer advice on the structural stability of the building, an approach to making it stable if necessary, and how much fabric can be saved. His approach would be to work alongside the council’s advisors and to offer his expertise.

Ed could advise on the minimum intervention necessary to make the building safe, while maintaining as much of the fabric as possible.

Given the urgency of the situation, we are standing by for the council’s response.

ENDS

1. For more information contact Elizabeth Hopkirk, editorial and communications manager at SAVE Britain’s Heritage, on 07811 116895 or 020 7253 3500 or  elizabeth.hopkirk@savebritainsheritage.org.

2. Read SAVE's press release issued immediately after the fire for more information.

3. Copy of our letter to South Ayshire Council on 4th October 2023 here.

4. SAVE Britain’s Heritage is an independent voice in conservation that fights for threatened historic buildings and sustainable reuses. We stand apart from other organisations by bringing together architects, engineers, planners and investors to offer viable alternative proposals. Where necessary, and with expert advice, we take legal action to prevent major and needless losses.

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