The multi-million pound plans to transform Irvine town centre were revealed yesterday at an innovative "pop-up-shop."

Around 500 local people visited the former Stationery Box unit in Bridgegate to view the plans of the first four major projects that will be delivered over the next few years.

The event was set up by North Ayrshire Council and Irvine Bay Regeneration Company as part of their ongoing consultation process with the local people.

Feedback was generally very positive, with the four projects - Bridgegate public realm, Bridgegate House, Trinity Church and the new Irvine leisure centre - generating a lot of interest.

Officers and architects responsible for the projects were on hand to answer questions and discuss how their outlines and plans will be developed over the coming months.

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Visitors were encouraged to provide specific written comments on individual aspects of the developments to assist the projects when they move forward.

Leader of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor David O'Neill, said: "This multi-million pound investment to transform Irvine town centre is the biggest thing to happen to Irvine for a generation and we know how important it is to ensure local people are given as much opportunity to be involved as possible.

"The pop-up-shop was a very worthwhile exercise and there were many positive comments about the scheme. The point of the exercise was not simply to receive praise, but to hear from the people who live and work in Irvine about their own views on the town and any points of concern they have. We will take all of the feedback on board over the coming months and years.

"Both the Council and our partners Irvine Bay Regeneration Company are confident that, by listening to the people of Irvine, we will create an environment which will attract visitors and business while becoming a source of pride for the town.

Chief Executive of Irvine Bay, Patrick Wiggins, said: "This was a very innovative and direct way for us to share with people the initial details of the projects, which we hope will begin the process of regenerating Irvine town centre.

"It was clear from talking to some of the people who visited the shop that this was an approach they liked – whether it was to ask a specific question or to simply find out what it was all about. What was very encouraging was the vast range of people who attended."

(JG/BMcC)