Regeneration projects in Irvine Bay will benefit from Scottish government funding of over £5m.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a total of £5.2m to be granted to the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company.

The announcement follows an update by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney to the Scottish Parliament.

The projects being supported in Irvine Bay are:

- Annickbank Innovation Campus phase 1 (£1.5m) – a 1,500 sq m office park development.

- Irvine Ailsa Road Industrial Units phase 2 (£1.2m) - phase 2 of an industrial unit development to create a 2nd terrace of 2 x 600 sq m blocks.

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- Ardrossan medical centre (£2.5m) – a new medical centre for central Ardrossan, incorporating a derelict listed building in a key location en route to Arran ferry.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Investment in regeneration projects like these is absolutely imperative in tough economic times.

"These projects will make a substantial difference, supporting jobs and growth in the short term, as well as providing a lasting legacy for the communities involved.

"We are clear about the contribution regeneration makes to growing Scotland’s economy, creating jobs and prosperity and improving the life chances of Scotland’s people."

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive Irvine Bay Regeneration Company said: "We are delighted to be awarded these funds. The Annickbank Innovation Campus is a key element in our strategy to deliver the Irvine Enterprise Area, and to have secured funding for phase 1 is great news.

"A new medical centre in Ardrossan has been a long-held aspiration for both the local community and Irvine Bay, and now it is to become a reality.

"The Ailsa Road workshops will provide new high quality industrial space. These projects will create both construction and long term employment opportunities."

(IT)