Irvine Councillors have been learning about a new scheme to refurbish one of the town’s most iconic buildings.

Irvine Town House is to undergo a revamp as part of the new £17m leisure centre for the town. It will be redeveloped as a cultural and historical centre.

Irvine Area Committee Councillors were updated on the plans for the £3.7m Town House development.

The refurbished Town House will provide a facility for people to research their family history and genealogy. Full access to the Scotland's People online database and information will be available in the building.

The category B Listed building will include a two-storey atrium space which North Ayrshire Council says could also be used for exhibitions.

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There are proposals to install interactive displays and online archives in the building.

The development could also include a virtual museum, information for visitors to the area, a wedding and function space and a performance area.

North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Marie Burns, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity to breathe new life into this historic building.

"The investment will see the building brought back into use for people from Irvine, across North Ayrshire and beyond."

The Council says it has also been liaising with the local branch of the British Legion amid proposals to move the War Memorial to a prominent position outside the Town House.

Architect David Lawless has described the potential renovation and conservation work.

He said: "The plans will bring a building back to life and provide a source of enjoyment for the town and North Ayrshire."

Historic Scotland has given positive feedback to the restoration and refurbishment plans.

Proposals will be submitted in the New Year, with work scheduled to get underway in July.

Work on the Town House is expected to be completed by July 2015.

(IT)