Irvine Bay Regeneration Company today announced a major step forward in delivering the £2.75m regeneration package to transform the centre of Kilwinning.

The announcement of the main Contractor on the project was made by Irvine Bay chair Baroness Margaret Ford at the company's Annual Public Meeting, which was attended by around 250 people.

Main Street in Kilwinning will see better lighting, enhanced landscaping, seating, signposting, and improved shop fronts - all designed to create renewed interest and activity in the town centre.

This could also see an outdoor space created for markets and town events, as well as the creation of a business centre with accommodation for new businesses and links with James Watt College.

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Land Engineering is to carry out the work as main contractor, and work on the first phase - the lighting - is already underway.

Baroness Ford said: This project is the first where Irvine Bay Regeneration Company has built in targeted recruitment and training as part of the tender for a large contract.

The refurbishment of Kilwinning Main Street will provide 12 skills-based training positions with 312 weeks of training. This will clearly be of benefit to the local community."

The total investment in projects by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is expected to be £4.5m since last year’s meeting – with each £ of public money spent expected to leverage significant investment from the private sector.

Baroness Ford said: "Despite difficult economic times the regeneration company continues to work with its partners and stakeholders in the public and private sectors to drive progress for Irvine Bay."

(GK/JM)