A property developer who has helped bring about 100 jobs into Kilmarnock town centre has been named as a high street hero.
Hugh Mulgrew opened Corespace on Portland Street last year, transforming a building which had long sat empty into serviced office accommodation.
It is now home to 11 organisations, ranging from local enterprises to national organisations and charities – each of them bring staff and trade into the town centre.
He has also brought the former Civic Centre North building on John Dickie Street back into use, supporting local charity EACHa (East Ayrshire Churches’ Homelessness action) to create a new base and community hub – Recovery Matters.
Building on the success of Corespace, he is redeveloping another long-vacant property, the White Tile Building, as well. It is fully let ahead of its completion.
That investment in Kilmarnock – and the boost it has created to the local economy – has been recognised today (Friday) as Mr Mulgrew was named as the High Street Hero for South Scotland in the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Judges were told that the investments he was making were “instrumental” to the regeneration of Kilmarnock town centre.
Reacting to the news, Mr 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.”
Barclays Eagle Labs is among the tenants at Corespace, deepening the support available to start-up businesses and entrepreneurs and fostering a spirit of innovation and enterprise.
Another is Cadence, which moved its contact centre from out-of-town to the town centre, bringing their 80 staff with them.
Mr Mulgrew’s award nomination stated: “Through his thoughtful, tenant-focused approach and commitment to revitalising vacant buildings, Hugh has created vibrant, inclusive spaces that support business growth, community wellbeing and economic sustainability.
“Each tenant has benefited from Hugh’s bespoke approach – whether it’s specialist IT infrastructure, 24/7 access, or tailored fit-outs that reflect the unique needs of their staff and service users. His ability to anticipate and accommodate these needs has made Corespace a flagship site for many of its occupants.”
Mr Mulgrew has worked closely with East Ayrshire Council on his Kilmarnock projects.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of 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 alligns 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. So many of our buildings are now hosting an amazing array of small and medium businesses which are achieving success both locally and globally and Hugh’s model is an excellent example of how 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.”
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise and reward all that’s great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods and the work to ensure they become stronger and more sustainable.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie 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.”
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fifth year in which the awards have been held.
