MP Lillian Jones has invited the Prime Minister to visit Kilmarnock as plans for the town centre move forward.
East Ayrshire Council has approved a masterplan intended to guide the town centre’s transformation over the next 14 years.
Councillors backed the draft Shared Vision and Concept Masterplan for 2040 at a full council meeting on August 27.
It will now go to a six-week public consultation. The consultation will shape the masterplan before decisions are made.
Around £100 million has already been allocated through the council’s capital programme, while £20m is being invested through the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme.
Its stated vision is for a “vibrant, accessible and sustainable” town centre that connects people and places, celebrates Kilmarnock’s heritage and encourages more residents to live there.
Possible projects include improvements around the train station, redevelopment of vacant buildings, new housing, better walking and cycling links, and investment in public spaces.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Jones said: "My home town of Kilmarnock was once the industrial powerhouse of Ayrshire, but after decades of decline and deindustrialisation, it has never fully recovered.
"I welcome the Prime Minister’s determination to revive our high streets and his focus on doing so, and I extend a warm invitation to him to visit the town at any time.
"Hope has been rekindled in Kilmarnock thanks to the Government’s £20 million Pride in Place investment.
"We are seeing the creation of the first Kilmarnock town centre masterplan for over 50 years, led by the community, setting an achievable vision for a successful future, and we want to build on that momentum."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham replied: "It does my heart good to hear my honourable friend talk about rising hope in Kilmarnock and the masterplan for the town, backed by the government with the Pride in Place funding.
"We will turn what is happening in Kilmarnock into real momentum for the town."
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