Residents of Stewarton have issued a renewed appeal for progress on an "eyesore" building left to crumble for the past 15 years. 

The Institute Hall, a former library and public hall, closed its doors back in 2009. 

It was sold by East Ayrshire Council in 2015 and two separate owners now control parts of the building. 

It was put up for sale after the council chose to build the new Stewarton Area Centre nearby, instead of investing to refurbish the building.

The category C-listed building sits as a focal point on the town's Avenue Square, which hosts the annual Yuletide celebrations. 

(Image: Newsquest)

Several planning applications have been granted over the years, including a 2021 bid to transform the historic library space into seven homes. 

Work has been ongoing towards the back of the building in recent years, but the front façade remains damaged with broken windows and boarded up doors.

One local resident said: “This is an absolute scandal. That was an amazing place and served the community well over the years.”

Another added: “This building should never have been sold and then left to fall apart. What an absolute eye sore!"

Pamela Clifford, Chief Planning Officer at East Ayrshire Council, said:  “Our officers have had various interactions with the owners of the different parts of this building and we have previously had to undertake works to secure window and door openings  in the building in relation to the Building (Scotland) Act.  

(Image: Newsquest)

“Our area surveyor has visited the site on a number of occasions  and although the building is of poor appearance, it is currently not in a condition where enforcement action under Section 29/30 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 would be considered.

“The former library is under separate ownership from the remainder of the building at 5 Avenue Street. The Area Surveyor has contacted both owners of the building.  

“Building owners are responsible for preventing their buildings falling into a dangerous condition.

"The powers given to local authorities by the Act do not diminish this responsibility but are merely a ‘safety net’ that must be used to protect the public when it appears to a local authority that, for whatever reason, a building owner has failed in their duty to fulfil this responsibility.”