Plans have been unveiled to transform Irvine's Harbourside into a key tourist destination.

North Ayrshire Council has announced a number of proposals for the area, including plans to create a Maritime Mile with new berthing facilities and upgrade existing slipways.

Other projects include a Maritime Museum visitor attraction, an all-weather play facility, high-quality waterfront housing and the refurbishment of the Big Idea events space.

Elected members will hear the Great Harbour proposals at a meeting of the Cabinet next week, Tuesday 16 April.

The proposals featured within the Ayrshire Growth Deal and at least £14 million has been allocated for development of the Harbourside and Ardeer Peninsula.

The Council is looking to focus on the works at the Harbourside first – creating a globally-renowned waterfront location - which would support the second stage of development at the Ardeer peninsula. As well as a road bridge and other road infrastructure, plans for Ardeer include a holiday resort and an industrial hub for major industrial and engineering processes.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: "This is a tremendous long-term plan and a huge investment in Irvine Harbourside. And the Harbourside is the key to further developments on the Ardeer Peninsula.

"We will be working very closely with our partners, NPL Estates. If we are successful in unlocking the potential of the Harbourside we can then go on to fully realise the enormous possibilities inherent in the Ardeer Peninsula.

"There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks – much of it wildly inaccurate – about plans for the Harbourside. It is good now to put some of our plans into the public domain, so we can all look forward to what are some really exciting proposals.

"Irvine Harbourside has huge potential given the combination of its natural location, some of the most superb coastal views in Scotland, proximity to Glasgow and the central belt. The Harbourside already has established maritime presence, with plenty of space to expand.

"With the right mix of public and private investment, Irvine Harbourside should be a waterfront destination to not only attract a significant increase in the number of domestic visitors but also should have global appeal. We will progress with the plans and will keep everyone updated as we move forward."

The Council and NPL Estates will now carry out further research to help produce a Masterplan.

(CM/JG)