A new business centre that was built as a key part of plans to regenerate Stevenston has been hailed a success by the Scottish Government.

The Grange, the new business and commercial centre in the heart of the town, developed by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, has been officially opened by Alex Neil MSP, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment.

Already the new business centre, built on the site of the former Grange cinema after which it is named, has seen 12 new jobs created with the opening of a Scotmid store on the ground floor.

Now, Sterling Efforts Administrative Services Ltd, who offer a holistic financial support service, have become the first tenants of the office space in the business centre. Nikki Niven, Managing Director of Sterling Efforts, said: "We are delighted to play our part in revitalising business in the area.

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"We will be using our new office to expand our operations in the debt support sector to assist those households suffering from financial difficulties or who wish to reduce their monthly outgoings. We are currently working with North Ayrshire Council to immediately bring 2 new administrative jobs to Stevenson with a further post to follow before the end of 2012."

Interest in the business centre continues to be strong, with more new jobs expected to follow when more businesses take up the top-quality, highly specified office space and workshops.

Mr Neil said: "The new business centre will bring a focus back to the town centre and will help attract businesses and new jobs to the town. It is entirely fitting that the site, which has always played a pivotal role in the life of the town, has been regenerated for the benefit of generations to come."

The Grange provides flexible business, retail and workshop space in small unit sizes. The accommodation totals some 1,000 sq m.

(GK)