People are expected to be given a say next month on plans to revamp fire-ravaged Troon Station, it is understood.
Network Rail say they are currently working with partners to develop refurbishment proposals for the new-look station, and will share plans with residents ahead of seeking planning permission.
Troon Station was gutted by a fire in July last year on one of the hottest days of the year, leaving businesses burned to the ground and causing chaos on the rail lines in Ayrshire.
Now a year on since the blaze, residents are keen to see the refurb project get underway soon and completed before the town is set to host the Open Golf Championships in July 2024.
Network Rail pledged in September 2021 that the station would be sympathetically repaired to its former Victorian era glory, with its iconic canopies restored to modern building standards.
The rail firm have stated they will share plans with the community “subject to achieving the consents and permissions required”.
But Troon councillor Craig Mackay says he ‘remains disappointed’ that rail bosses haven’t engaged with the public, including councillors or the community council, prior to drafting up plans, adding that early input from locals could have been beneficial.
Cllr Mackay said: “I have been advised that Network Rail are aiming to go out to public consultation on their proposals for refurbishing Troon Station in early August.
“They are also very much aware of the need to have the project concluded well before the golf Open in 2024 and are programming on that basis.
“I remain disappointed that they have insisted on working up options before engaging with councillors or the community council.
“They have now declined invitations to attend the last six community council meetings, when early input of local views should have been of benefit.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are presently working with partners to develop plans for the redevelopment of Troon station.
“We will share these plans with the community in advance of seeking planning permission and subject to achieving the consents and permissions required.
“Our aim would be to complete the reconstruction of the station by summer 2024.”
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