The extra funding will support investment in site infrastructure at North Shore/Harbour area of the town, with major works due to start in spring next year.

The £170m Ardrossan Regeneration Programme includes the new Education and Community Campus, harbour improvements, marina developments, coastal paths, International Marine Science Centre and residential and business developments.

The report to the full council highlighted the volatile construction costs which are at an all-time high due to the impact of Covid 19 and Brexit.

After receiving confirmation of funding from Scottish Futures Trust and the Ayrshire Growth Deal funding, the council was able to commission further extensive technical works on the whole site which have taken into account SEPA regulations, climate change and a Flood Risk Assessment.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “The scale of the regeneration programme, now over £170m, is the largest site investment in the area since the 1970s.

“The council’s investment in the regeneration programme will help unlock the site, bringing in external funding that will more than match our own investment.

“This is a site that has blighted Ardrossan for almost 40 years but with this investment we will bring it back into productive use for the benefit of the local community. The investment will help to transform Ardrossan and the education and skills development of our young people.”

The council is currently awaiting a decision on its bid for £5m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund. If successful, this will go towards meeting the additional costs identified.

Subject to approval works would be put to tender and infrastructure works start next spring.