Two public meetings to let local people in Ardrossan hear about ambitious plans to extend the town’s marina have been hailed as a success.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company were “delighted” that more than 100 people turned out for the lunchtime and early evening meetings at the Michael Lynch Centre to hear about the plans for Ardrossan North Shore.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay, said: “We are delighted that so many people took the opportunity to come along and find out more about the proposals, even at this early stage in the process. As the plans are better developed, we will continue to have public consultation.

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“It was good to get the opportunity to explain to local people directly how the proposal for a mixed use development is interdependent on all the various facets of the proposal working together.”

Highlights of the Ardrossan North Shore proposal include:

* A total of 30 acres of former oil refinery land in the heart of the town cleaned up and redeveloped

* 4000 square metres of offices created, along with a restaurant and a care home

* The creation of new public open space

* More than 400 new homes created

* A first phase of 165 new berths at the marina, with an eventual additional number of 500-600

The ten-year programme would cost a total of around £9 million, with the first phase of work starting this summer. The project would create the equivalent of 414 new jobs.

(GK)