Is Ayr Craigie Gardens to close?

artel
artel Forum Participant Posts: 29
edited March 2017 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Just been told today by a friend, club member and regular visitor to Craigie Gardens, that this site is to close as the adjacent university is taking over the grounds for their own use. I can find no mention of this any where on the club website, any one confirm if there is any truth in this or not? Think I can recall reading sometime ago that the lease was up for renewal in the near future. 

Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2017 #2

    I can find no mention of this any where on the club website.

    Nor would you if it were true as that is the CC standard membership communication pattern. 

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited March 2017 #3

    Its all part of the new "image" a slimmed down more forward looking club    without sites

  • IainM1970
    IainM1970 Forum Participant Posts: 170
    edited March 2017 #4

    Was at the Scottish section Q and A session on Saturday in Perth.

    One member questioned why Ayr was not open all year round, the panel promised to go back and look into it, no mention was made of it closing.

    However the fact that the toilet blocks are way over due for a makeover does tie in with a comment about not investing in sites that were close to the end of their lease.

    Time will tell.

  • artel
    artel Forum Participant Posts: 29
    edited March 2017 #5

    Thanks Iain, never thought to ask how my acquaintance had come by his information. As you say, time will tell.

    would be good if someone from the Club could confirm whether the story is true or false. 

  • IainM1970
    IainM1970 Forum Participant Posts: 170
    edited March 2017 #6

    It has been doing the rounds for a few years to be fair.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #7

    There's been talk of the site closing for the last few years, as the Uni own the land and want to expand I believe. Wonder if EGH will give us a definite answer......but I won't be holding my breath for it to happen.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2017 #8

    I think I did hear the same rumour a couple of years back at least Ian now that you mention it.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #9

    This was a posting from 2015 to which there was no response from HO....surprise, surprise!!

    Posted on 28/09/2015 21:10
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    Can anyone in the club state what the position is regarding the future of this lovely site. The rumours that tthe local council are not renewing the lease when it expires in the near future grow stronger every day. Not only among the caravan community but within the town.

    If the rumours are true please let us know so that pressure may put on the council to reconsider. (Elections next year!!)

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #11

    Thanks for the prompt and understandable reply!!

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited March 2017 #12

    Yes thanks Rochelle.

    There have been similar rumours on other CC sites in the past. They generally stopped after a few years when the sites closed down. Let us hope this rumour runs for many years in that case.

  • IainM1970
    IainM1970 Forum Participant Posts: 170
    edited March 2017 #13

    So when will the woefully outdated loo block be upgraded?

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #14

    Thanks Ro. As that's the case is the site scheduled for an update to it's facilities as has been the case with many of the English sites!

  • Moosedog
    Moosedog Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited April 2019 #15
    I have just returned from a perfect weekend at Craigie Gardens & asked the wardens about possible closure due to the non-renewal of the lease in 2020. The response was they still don't know anything, however given the state of the access road & toilet block, I suspect no new work is being carried out. Losing this site would be very short-sighted of the Club due to the pleasant location close to the centre of Ayr. The town will be dismayed as the site brings in a lot of tourism.
  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
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    edited August 2019 #16

    This is interesting as just 15 mins ago I read the following on a CAMC Facebook page. 

     Re Craigie gardens possible closure.

    "things have changed recently it looks like they're keeping it, the guy who wanted them out from the Council has died and the tourist board came round to ask how many visitors they had last year, which was 34,000 seemingly, so they're on the case now and the University now don't want the land anyway. Was talking to the warden last week "

    I think the most important point there is that the Uni now don't want the land.                    

  • rayjsj
    rayjsj Forum Participant Posts: 930
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    edited August 2019 #17

    Similar rumours about Baltic Wharf in Bristol, very very popular site, still open. We as a Club should Treasure our City sites, but the pressures against them are huge.They will continue to be popular though for their access for to shops, restaurants etc., without having to drive.