Marvin OnumonuHugh Mulgrew (pictured) has been named high street hero for South Scotland in the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards after bringing about 100 jobs into Kilmarnock town centre.
Mulgrew opened Corespace on Portland Street last year, turning a long-empty building into serviced offices.
The site now houses 11 organisations, including local businesses, national firms, and charities, all bringing staff and trade into the town centre.
Mulgrew also redeveloped the former Civic Centre North building on John Dickie Street, supporting East Ayrshire Churches’ Homelessness action to create Recovery Matters, a new base and community hub.
Mulgrew said: “I’m genuinely proud to see how much positive energy and opportunity has returned to Kilmarnock’s town centre.
“The success of Corespace and our other projects shows what can happen when you invest in local people and believe in the potential of our high streets.
“It’s been a real team effort with our tenants, partners and East Ayrshire Council – and we’re only just getting started.”
Corespace tenants include Barclays Eagle Labs, which supports start-ups, and Cadence, which moved its contact centre and 80 staff from out of town.
Mulgrew worked closely with East Ayrshire Council on his projects.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader, East Ayrshire Council, said: “As a council, our ambitions are to grow community wealth through partnership working, regeneration of buildings to repurpose them for modern uses, encouraging town centre living and working and investing in training and skills development to build a robust workforce and boost the local economy.
“Hugh’s vision and way of working aligns perfectly with so many of our aims.
“Our Planning, Business Support, Regeneration and Employability teams have all been working with his team to help him realise both his and our goals.
“Hugh has proved that our high streets are no longer just about retail.”
Reid added: “So many of our buildings are now hosting an amazing array of small and medium enterprises which are achieving success both locally and globally.
“Hugh’s model is an excellent example of how the Council and private sector can work together for the benefit of all.
“His ‘can do’ attitude, his long term thinking, and above all his energy and infectious enthusiasm have been a welcome addition to our townscape and we know there is lots more to come from him and his team.”
Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer at Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “Repurposing and revitalising existing buildings is a key part of town centre regeneration – as is proven by the impact of Hugh’s work in Kilmarnock, providing an environment where our entrepreneurs and business start-ups can grow, develop and create success.
“Corespace flies the flag for the art of the possible, attracting businesses into the town centre, bringing staff with them and driving further footfall which supports other businesses. It’s fantastic to see its success, meeting real local demand.”
