North Ayrshire Council has been presented with plans for the future use of Saltcoats Town Hall.

The proposals would see work carried out on the building to restore it as a focal point for the town.

The total cost of the project is estimated at £3.5m, with 31.9m already being allocated from the Council's Capital Programme. If the proposals are approved, grant applications for the remaining funds will be submitted to Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Vital repairs were carried out at the building last year, including reconditioning of the stonework, wind and waterproofing works and fitting a new roof. The new plans would also see the main hall restored for public and community use, as well as the transformation of the Grade B listed building to become a community service hub for the area. It would accommodate Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston housing offices, Saltcoats Registration Office, a customer service centre for Council services and a local Three Towns heritage centre.

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The recommendation follows an Options Appraisal Study which was commissioned by project partner Irvine Bay Regeneration Company on behalf of North Ayrshire Council last year, to look at how the building could be reinstated as the main civic focus for Saltcoats and the Three Towns area.

Commenting, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Willie Gibson said: "We welcome these new innovative proposals for future use of the Saltcoats Town Hall, which will see this significant local landmark restored as a vibrant hub for the community for future generations to come.

"The revitalisation will not only ensure the building is returned to its former glory, but will also help support regeneration in the area, by acting as a catalyst for further improvements within the town centre."

(JP/CD)