A former hotel is to be transformed into homes as part of a council scheme to bring "vitality back into the town centre.”
The derelict Kings Arms in Irvine will become six affordable one and two bedroom units thanks to a £600,000 grant from the Scottish Government.
The money, which came from Holyrood's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, will see redevelopment work start later this year.
North Ayrshire councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “We’re delighted to receive funding for what will be a landmark housing project.
“The King’s Arms is a well-known building in Irvine town centre’s conservation zone but sadly its condition has deteriorated significantly since falling out of use.
“By transforming the building, not only will an important landmark be preserved, but it will offer much-needed new homes and bring added vitality back into the town centre.”
The category C listed building, built in the 1800s, functioned as a bar and restaurant in its heyday before closing in 2015. It has remained derelict ever since.
Council bosses purchased the site in 2020 and are now executing plans to revamp the site.
Community Wealth Minister, Tom Arthur, said: “The transformation of the King’s Arms Hotel will benefit the wider community in Irvine by revitalising a significant and prominent town centre building.
“The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract investment to locations which have lain dormant for years, and which need it most.
“It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer and more prosperous.
“The development of low carbon affordable homes on this site exemplifies this and I look forward to seeing the completed project.”
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