The £14 million Ayrshire Growth Deal investment in the area has kicked off with work on the first phase now started. The project is being supported with £9m from the Scottish Government.

The ‘Great Harbour’ is a key component of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal and one of the most ambitious and transformational regeneration tourism proposals for the region.

Contractor McLauglin Construction is carrying out the first phase works – called the ‘Coastal Hub’ - which will include the development of a themed regional playpark. A skatepark is also being constructed, while there will be repairs to the Pilot House building and new landscaped park setting that reflects the coastal location, improved active travel connections and the re-lining of the Beach Drive car park to increase capacity.

The council is also hoping to secure additional funding to allow for the development of a pump track.

Works on the new playpark are expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Tom Arthur, investment minister, said: “Through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, the Scottish Government is providing £103m over 10 years to boost jobs and drive long-term economic growth across the county. This includes a £9m investment to bring a variety of improvements to Irvine’s harbourside, including a play park. All making it easier and more attractive for local families, young people and visitors to enjoy. To enable communities across Scotland to prosper we have allocated £62m for regeneration projects in our budget for 2025-26.”

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “This is an important milestone for this Ayrshire Growth Deal project and we are delighted work has started on the Coastal Hub first phase of the Great Harbour development.

“It is fantastic to see McLaughlin Construction on site now and we are really looking forward to seeing the development take shape over the coming weeks and months.

“The Ayrshire Growth Deal is of huge significance to this region and a lot of work has been undertaken in the background to ensure these exciting projects can be delivered.”

Following the first phase, work will begin on the second phase of the project. The Maritime Mile, including Marine & Arts Hub which will feature a new waterfront space helping to support events, improved access to marine facilities, and the redevelopment of the Harbour Master’s Office.

The third phase aims to create a Maritime Heritage Hub. This will see the council work in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum and Crown Estate Scotland to enhance and expand existing facilities around the Harbourside, including the Puffers Café area. It is hoped that this will increase visitors and encourage increased participation in maritime heritage in the area.

Shaun McLaughlin, director, McLaughlin Construction, added: “The effort put in by the council and their design team to get to this stage is immeasurable and we’re ready and eager to take the helm as we bring the initial phase of this ambitious and transformational project to site. An already popular spot, we look forward to engaging our local workforce and supply chain to deliver the first additions and improvements, making Irvine Beach Park a destination with an even greater draw.”

The funding for the Great Harbour project comprises £9m from Scottish Government and £5m from North Ayrshire Council.