North Ayrshire Council is ready to present its latest Masterplan for the ‘Great Harbour’ project - as it moves forward with proposals to transform the Irvine Harbour area into a colourful, exciting and cultural hotspot.

The Great Harbour plans – a key part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal - proposes the creation of three ‘hubs’ on a ‘Maritime Mile’ from Irvine train station right along the Harbourside.

• a Coastal Hub with a major new play facility at the Beach Park and improved outdoor facilities with longer term plans for the landmark Pilot House and a café/restaurant facility
• a Marina/Arts/Events/Food Hub which will feature a new waterfront plaza help to support events and give better access to marina, additional food offerings to make the area even more of a destination for its visitors, and including the redevelopment of the Harbourmaster’s House,
• a Maritime Hub which aims to create expanded facilities for the National Maritime Museum

Last year the Council consulted on the first phase of these improvements focusing on the Coastal Hub, which is now progressing and will see designs created this year. These will be subject to further consultation later this year.

The current consultation – which launches on March 24 - will seek views on the other parts of the proposals to ensure that the local priorities are reflected.

The Masterplan - shaped over recent months to respond to economic challenges and to take into account the feedback from the first phase of the public consultations carried out last year – will provide more details of the physical improvements along the Harbourside.

The Council is looking for your feedback and consultation material and masterplan report will be available online together with the online survey

There will also be a series of drop-in events:

• 24 March Harbour Arts Centre (1.30pm-4:30p) Meet the designer from 2pm
• 31 March Harbour Arts Centre (9.30am-4.30pm)
• 5 April Fullarton Community Hub (1pm-6pm)
• 22 April Harbour Arts Centre (1pm-4.30pm)
• 29 April Harbour Arts Centre (1.30pm-43pm) Meet the Designer from 2pm

In addition, the information boards will be displayed at the Irvine Library and at the fence in front of the Harbour Arts Centre, with the feedback forms and collection boxes available within the facilities.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Economy and Climate Change, said: “The ‘Great Harbour plans for Irvine are hugely ambitious and very exciting. They are a key part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal and have the potential to put the area on the map nationally and make it a place families from right across Scotland want to visit.

“It’s also about creating something that local residents can enjoy and be proud of – we sure they will be. We look forward to hearing from local residents and businesses as that input is vital as we move forward.”

The council is hoping to submit the Masterplan to the Planning Committee later this year.