Ayrshire charity wins funding to turn church into community hub

The side and front facade of the South Parish Church in Girvan. The side consists of grey pebbledash stone, large rectangular windows with thick white frames while the front is smoother layers of stone with a Presbyterian cross on its roof. A second church building can be seen at the rear, which would be turned into a bunkhouse if plans are approved.

A charity in South Ayrshire has been awarded funding to purchase and transform a vacant church building into a multi-purpose community hub.

The South, the charity behind the plans, said the church in Girvan could provide the town with its first major community venue for more than 25 years. The Beach Pavilion closed in 2000.

The charity said a renovated South Parish Church would host theatre, film and live music events, while a new 30-bed bunkhouse would support low-cost tourism in the area.

Alan Jeans, chairman of The South, described the six-figure funding package as a "once in a generation chance to give South Carrick the venue and gathering space it deserves."

3D rendering of how the church could be turned into a community hub and bunkhouse, including a new extension connecting the existing two buildings

The charity was formed in December 2025 to progress community discussions with the Church of Scotland over the sale of the site, after the church closed in 2024.

The South has received £184,207 for the development, which will support 95% of the church's purchase price and cover the cost of employing a project officer for six months.

The project is one of 24 across Scotland which have been supported by the latest iteration of the Scottish Land Fund.

The award is a partnership between the Scottish government and National Lottery and has invested close to £140m in 955 projects since it started in 2001.

Aerial view of the church

Alongside providing a local space for events and celebrations, a kitchen and bunkhouse will also be installed.

The revenue generated from the accommodation will be used to support the day-to-day operations of the venue while also offering budget accommodation for tourists visiting the Girvan folk and arts festivals, or travelling along the nearby walking and cycling routes.

The church's interior, featuring lime-green walls, two floors of pews an altar underneath two stained glass windows.

Jeans added: "We're thrilled that the Scottish Land Fund has decided that this project is critical to South Carrick's regeneration.

"Girvan hasn't had a town hall since 1939 and the only unrestricted venue with a capacity of over 100, the Beach Pavilion, was demolished two decades ago.

"The lack of an appropriately sized venue and gathering space has restricted the cultural, social and economic growth of Girvan and South Carrick for too long, and this project is our chance to change that."

An engagement event will be hosted at the South Parish Church on Thursday 19 November to allow locals to have a say in the future of the development.

Original source Ayrshire charity wins funding to turn church into community hub

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