Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has backed plans to regenerate Irvine, and in particular the town’s A-listed Trinity Church.

The Minister confirmed that £500,000 is being made available to support the ambitious plans of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company and North Ayrshire Council.

The Historic Scotland Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme funding will be used to fund skills training for young people as well as the repair of historic buildings.

North Ayrshire Council and Irvine Bay Regeneration Company submitted a joint bid to Historic Scotland for Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) funding for the Trinity Church project.

The A-listed building is the main focus of a wider programme which aims to make significant public realm improvements to Bridgegate in Irvine town centre.

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This programme also involves a potential grant scheme for building improvements in the area along with education and training opportunities related to the Trinity Church conservation work.

A first phase of improvement work has already been carried out. This has helped to protect and preserve the building and included emergency repairs to the spire, work to ensure the building is wind and watertight, roof and window repairs and the removal of vermin.

The CARS funding will allow a second phase of works to take place, including the comprehensive repair of the main church and hall, along with conservation work on the tower and spire. This phase of work will make the building fit for purpose and allow it to be brought back into use. The final stages will then make the building fit for use by a new operator.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “This funding will make a significant difference to our work to revitalise Irvine town centre, and in particular in securing a vibrant and viable future for this iconic building and the surrounding area in Irvine.”

Councillor David O’Neill, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “This is fantastic news and will help us to return the historic Trinity Church back to its former glory.

“As well as restoring a landmark to the people of Irvine, the Trinity Church can be a symbol of regeneration, not only within the town, but across North Ayrshire as a whole. I am confident that this funding marks the beginning of a successful transformation of Irvine town centre.”

(GK)