Accessibility community engagement sessions are taking place on 19. 20, 21 March – read the Latest News article to find out how you can get involved in upcoming Great Harbour accessibility walks.
Our Growth and Investment team were delighted to celebrate the start of work on a major Ayrshire Growth Deal project.
The ‘Great Harbour’ is a key component of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal and one of the most ambitious and transformational regeneration tourism proposals for the region.
Contractors McLauglin Construction are carrying out the first phase works – called the ‘Coastal Hub’ – which will include the development of a themed regional playpark.
A skatepark is also being constructed, alongside repairs to the Pilot House building and new landscaped park setting that reflects the coastal location, improved active travel connections and the re-lining of the Beach Drive car park to increase capacity.
Funding applications are underway for additional resource to deliver a pump track.
Works on the new playpark are expected to be complete in Autumn.
Louise Kirk, Head of Service (Economic Development, Growth and Regeneration), said: “We are delighted to see work starting on this exciting project which has the potential to transform the Harbourside area.
“The team has been working incredibly hard in the background to progress the project as the Ayrshire Growth Deal is of such huge significance to the region. We are really excited to see the construction progress over the coming weeks and months.”
Following the first phase, work will begin on the second phase of the project. The Maritime Mile, including the Marine and Arts Hub which will feature a new waterfront space helping to support events, improved access to marine facilities, and the redevelopment of the Harbour Master’s Office.
The third phase aims to create a Maritime Heritage Hub. This will see the council work in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum and Crown Estate Scotland to enhance and expand existing facilities around the Harbourside, including the Puffers Café area.
Access Great Harbour community funding
Local community groups are being invited to apply for event funding as part of the exciting ‘Great Harbour’ plans for Irvine.
The Great Harbour Community Fund has been launched to complement the ambitious £14 million plans for the Harbourside area.
This dedicated fund has been established to support the delivery of the Great Harbour project, offering small grants to local groups wishing to run events at the Harbourside or the Beach Park in Irvine.
For more advice on planning your event, please contact: events@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
More details about the full process can be found on the website.
“The team has been working incredibly hard in the background to progress the project as the Ayrshire Growth Deal is of such huge significance to the region. We are really excited to see the construction progress over the coming weeks and months.”Louise Kirk, Head of Service (Economic Development, Growth and Regeneration)
