The demolition date for Kilmarnock's giant multi-storey has been confirmed.
With disruption anticipated from razing the car park to the ground, council chiefs have delayed the construction work by one month.
Initially pencilled in for December 2022, work won't start until early in 2023.
This means less disruption for traders and shoppers during the vital Christmas period that retailers bank on.
With plans in place for the demolition, the site's future remains unknown for the time being.
East Ayrshire Council say that any decision regarding the future of the multi-storey site will be taken by the local authority in consultation with all interested parties.
A spokesperson said: "The Ayrshire Roads Alliance is working closely with local businesses regarding the demolition of the multi-storey in Kilmarnock.
"It has been agreed that the demolition of the multi-storey will start early in 2023 after the Christmas shopping period.
"Any decision regarding the future of the site will be taken by the Council in consultation with all interested parties."
The decision to axe the car park was taken last year after a slab of concrete fell from the structure through an office roof landing on a desk.
It was revealed that the concrete from the structure fell through the false ceiling of the Citizens' Advice Bureau premises and on to a desk.
Thankfully, it missed the three workers who were in the office at the time during the incident which took place last year.
Inspections have discovered severe corrosion of some concrete and the car park was closed at the end of June last year.
Prior to closure, up to 90 vehicles used the multi storey car park. Around 20 had season tickets, the remainder paid a daily rate.
Existing season ticket holders were then offered use of the Foregate North car park with the remaining customers encouraged to use the Morton Place car park.
Councillor Graham Boyd said: "The demolition of the MSCP will be the biggest single change in Kilmarnock Town Centre since the radical 1970s developments.
"Only one from five businesses remain on the ground floor, discussions are ongoing. Services will then be cut off. The electric sub station at the entrance needs to remain in some form. The footbridge issue has still to be resolved for Foregate first floor access.
"A demolition contractor will soon be appointed. January 2023 ( to allow traders to have Christmas shopping unhindered ) the MSCP will be wrapped in scaffolding with a protective cover. Foregate Square will be closed, a large crane will spend several months dismantling the structure bit by bit - reverse order from its construction if you like. The Foregate shops will continue to trade as per usual."
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