Ambitious work begins this week to transform the centre of a 1970s new town in North Ayshire.

The council is pumping £8.5m into Bridgegate House in Irvine, with the aim of transforming it into a focal point for the newly-regenerated town centre.

GRAHAM Construction will carry out external and interior refurbishment, creating a "cleaner, brighter, more attractive modern building for Irvine", a press release stated.

This will include a one-stop shop for council services at the High Street entrance, bringing the housing, social work, benefits and trading standards departments under one roof.

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Marie Burns, spokeswoman for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Ayrshire Council, said the redevelopment would make Irvine "a more attractive destination".

She said: "The whole of the town centre will benefit from the much-needed modernisation of Bridgegate House and the streetscape over the next year or so. We believe the end result will give local people increased pride in their town, while making it a more attractive destination for visitors and businesses looking to invest in the town."

Irvine Bay Regernation Company is providing an additional £800,000 in funding for external work.

Gary Holmes, of GRAHAM Construction said: "Bridgegate House occupies a prominent position in Irvine and local people can look forward to a much more visually appealing and eye-catching design once the project is completed, with a modern glass fascia replacing the existing 70s-style frontage."

Photograph: Council Leader Willie Gibson, spokesperson for Economic Development and Regeneration Councillor Marie Burns, and Keith Barclay of GRAHAM Construction.

(NE)