The Capital Budget supports investment in buildings, infrastructure and regeneration projects and the newly-approved programme will see a focus on a number of major developments across North Ayrshire.

The rolling programme - approved by Elected Members - will see investment in North Ayrshire’s roads and schools estate, the upgrade of the B714, decarbonisation of the council fleet, the Great Harbour in Irvine and Ardrossan Coastal Quarter as well as dozens of other projects.

Councillor Christina Larsen, cabinet member for Finance and Procurement, said: “These are challenging financial times for all of us and the Council isn’t immune from that. Nevertheless, our capital budget is an opportunity to invest in the future of North Ayrshire and our residents.

“Over the coming years, the capital budget sets out how we will invest £331.5m into landmark projects which will bring positive change to our residents’ quality of life, covering everything from roads to new-build projects and education to housing. Taking care of the environment is a significant focus of the capital programme and we have a number of projects in place which will help us in our drive to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.”

The capital budget includes:

• Investment for roads and the street lighting network, upgrading of the B714, flood prevention works, bridges infrastructure improvement and active travel projects.
• Delivery of the new Ardrossan Community Campus and wider improvements around the coastal quarter
• Decarbonising the council’s vehicle fleet to reduce emissions.
• The delivery of an ambitious house building and improvement programme.
• Investment into open spaces such as parks, cemeteries, war memorials, playing fields, residential greenspace, promenades and beaches.

In addition, the capital programme will continue to support the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal which is being delivered in partnership with the UK and Scottish Government and East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire councils. This is helping to deliver projects such as the Great Harbour project in Irvine, the Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre at i3 and marine tourism.