SURF Awards Winner:
Creative Regeneration

What is the aim of the project?

To make participatory cultural activities available to all by championing town centre regeneration.

Where is it taking place?

Based in the town of Ayr in South Ayrshire.

What has been achieved?

Narture CIC is transforming empty, run-down properties into vibrant creative hubs. The organisation’s efforts are breathing new life into neglected areas, revitalising not just the appearance of the town but also its community spirit and economic prospects. Ayr’s town centre has long struggled with empty shops and a dwindling cultural scene; its High Street was recently named the second worst in Scotland, and the town has seen a steady outflow of creative talent to larger cities. By combining food and the arts, where ‘everyone is an artist’ and encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change, Narture are working to rejuvenate Ayr’s town centre.

Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the main income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients, and supporting local businesses. Narture Studios and Make at 34 & 30 Newmarket Street houses seven local artist studios, a community dark room, and a Riso printer. The space hosts a shop selling local makers wares, exhibitions, events, workshops, and talks based on Narture’s three core pillars of food, creativity and wellbeing. As part of their social purpose, Narture also donate produce to local food banks. Narture’s objective is to re-invest all surplus profits into creative projects, as an instigator of town centre regeneration.

These spaces, once derelict, have become thriving centres of creativity and wellbeing. The Café, initially established as an exhibition space, has hosted various creative events, such as “Water Salt Grain,” a collaborative bread-making exhibition, and “Paper Cave,” an immersive installation by local artist Laura McGlinchey. These events embody Narture’s mission to offer artists platforms to create, showcase their work, and engage directly with the public.

Narture’s work not only revitalises Ayr’s physical spaces but also nurtures the social fabric, proving that creativity can be a powerful tool for community development and economic regeneration.

Who is running it?

Narture CIC was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer.

Why did the judging panel like it?

The judges were impressed by Narture’s inspiring approach to challenging perceptions of Ayr, named as the “worst seaside town” in a national survey, through cultural and creative regeneration.

The judges recognised the strong partnerships with local businesses and third sector, education, public and community organisations, as well as the creative sector. The development of previously empty shop units into spaces for a variety of creative, community and wellbeing uses, including the café and award-winning bakery, demonstrates sustainability at the heart of the project. The judges liked the project’s focus on supporting locally based artists, helping to build careers and providing employment opportunities, while offering opportunities for local people to participate in creative activities.

With driven and determined leadership and an ambition to transform the town centre, the judges believe that Narture’s projects will help Ayr to rise and flour-ish.