The Scottish Government’s decision to create an Enterprise Area in Irvine was today hailed as "fantastic news" by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company.

The regeneration company, working with North Ayrshire Council, had worked hard to lobby for the new Enterprise Area status, saying it will give a focus for the creation of jobs, growth and skills development in Irvine and beyond.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay, said: "This is fantastic news, and we strongly welcome this decision by the Scottish Government.

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"We have worked with our partners in North Ayrshire Council to advance the case for an Enterprise Area in Irvine and together with Scottish Enterprise have made substantial investment in these locations. This means the Irvine Enterprise Area can be ‘open for business’ very quickly. This will greatly assist our efforts to regenerate Irvine Bay."

Council Leader David O’Neill said: "We can now build on the huge efforts we are already making to bring new businesses and more employment opportunities to the area. The Enterprise Area’s location - at the GlaxoSmithKline plant, the Irvine Industry and Innovation Business Park (i3) and Annickbank - means it will be well placed to attract a range of high-tech employers who can provide well paid jobs."

(GK)