North Ayrshire Council is progressing plans to redevelop two former industrial sites in the Garnock Valley.

Further funding for regeneration of the former Glengarnock Steelworks at Lochshore as well as Stoneyholm Mill in Kilbirnie has now been secured.

A full-time project officer will now be deployed to develop a feasibility study, outline business case and a costed delivery strategy for the sites.

Plans for the Glengarnock Steelworks site includes a mix of residential properties, employment, leisure and open space or country park uses.

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In addition, the B-listed Stoneyholm Mill site could be potentially be turned into a mix of residential, office, workshop and community use. It is expected that any regeneration of the mill would require external grant funding.

Cllr Alex Gallagher said: "This is great news for the Garnock Valley. It means we can now find a way in which we can bring these two locations back into use.

"The former steelworks site and mill are a reminder of the rich industry and heritage in the Garnock Valley and it would be tremendous to see a new beginning for both of them.

"We are still at the very early stages of the process but it’s a significant step in the right direction. Both locations have the potential to provide a significant economic boost to the area if we can find the right way forward, balancing any potential development with the needs of the local community."

(LM)