A fresh masterplan showcasing blueprints for the future of Irvine harbourside have been devised.
North Ayrshire Council is preparing to release the latest proposals for the town's coastal region with aims to to transform the area into a 'cultural hotspot'.
The Great Harbour plan could see the creation of three key hubs on a maritime mile from the town's train station to the mouth of the harbour.
The three hubs are as follows:
• a Coastal Hub with a major new play facility at the Beach Park and improved outdoor facilities with longer term plans for the landmark Pilot House and a café/restaurant facility
• a Marina/Arts/Events/Food Hub which will feature a new waterfront plaza help to support events and give better access to marina, additional food offerings to make the area even more of a destination for its visitors, and including the redevelopment of the Harbourmaster’s House
• a Maritime Hub which aims to create expanded facilities for the National Maritime Museum
Public opinion was sought on the first stage of plans concerning the coastal hub with plans currently being fine-tuned for further consultation.
A new consultation, which launches later this week, is looking to gather the thoughts on other aspects of the blueprints.
The new masterplan will provide more details of the physical improvements along the harbourside.
There will also be a series of drop-in events:
- March 24, Harbour Arts Centre (1.30pm-4:30pm) Meet the designer from 2pm
- March 31, Harbour Arts Centre (9.30am-4.30pm)
- April 5, Fullarton Community Hub (1pm-6pm)
- April 22, Harbour Arts Centre (1pm-4.30pm)
- April 29, Harbour Arts Centre (1.30pm-4.30pm) Meet the Designer from 2pm
In addition, the information boards will be displayed at the Irvine Library and at the fence in front of the Harbour Arts Centre, with the feedback forms and collection boxes available within the facilities.
Councillor Tony Gurney said: “The Great Harbour plans for Irvine are hugely ambitious and very exciting. They are a key part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal and have the potential to put the area on the map nationally and make it a place families from right across Scotland want to visit.
“It’s also about creating something that local residents can enjoy and be proud of – we sure they will be.
“We look forward to hearing from local residents and businesses as that input is vital as we move forward.”
The council is hoping to submit the masterplan to the Planning Committee later this year.
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