Work on the properties at 36 Bank Street is set to begin next year.

The draft programme will see Planning and Building Warrant applications start this year, alongside the tendering process.

It is expected the project will go out to tender in early 2023 with construction taking place from mid-2023 for 12-18 months. Completion is expected in summer 2024.

An application has been submitted to the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme for £400,000 towards the Bank Street project which would enable it to be delivered to an enhanced energy standard.

However plans to convert vacant buildings in Howgate, Kilwinning, which were also approved last June, will be put on hold to await a feasibility study.

Set to conclude by August, the study will:

• Identify residential-led redevelopment options for the site.
• Establish whether a project is viable.
• Assist in the development of other project documentation such as the business case, funding application, project execution plan and strategic brief.
• Enable organisers to map development potential and consider any barriers to development.

The recommendations of the feasibility study will inform the council’s next steps and approach to the Howgate site.