The derelict town centre landmark is to be transformed into six new homes for affordable rent as part of the council’s housing programme.

The six amenity properties will be a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, with redevelopment work currently scheduled to get underway later this year.

The development has been handed a significant boost after the announcement that the project has successfully been awarded £600,000 from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.

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.”

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.”

Originally dating from the early 19th century, the King’s Arms Hotel is a category C Listed building and is located within the Irvine Town Centre Conservation area.

However, the High Street building fell into disrepair following the closure of the bar and restaurant in 2015.

In the current financial climate, there was little prospect of private investment to bring the hotel back into commercial use, prompting the council to purchase the building.

It is anticipated that redevelopment work will get underway later this year, with care being taken to retain the original front façade of the property.

Throughout the project, the council will be mindful of its commitment to the environment and will strive to reduce energy consumption throughout the project. A fabric-first approach will be adopted for the site to reduce heat loss and minimise carbon emissions. Sustainable air source heat pumps will be installed to provide heating and hot water at the site, and solar photovoltaic panels will also be included on the site roof to provide electricity for the communal areas of the building.

Community consultation sessions have already been undertaken to share the draft and final plans for the site and the community will be invited to ‘Meet the Builder’ when a contractor is appointed later this year. The contractor will also participate in the council’s Community Benefits scheme.