Local community

The regeneration of Irvine Bay will gradually bring real change to the people who live and work in the area.

If you live in the Irvine Bay area you may already have been involved in the extensive community engagement programme that took place during 2008. This consultation process established the top goals for each area for regeneration.

Development projects

The outcome of the community engagement is a series of towns' regeneration plans which outline proposals for the town centres of each of the five towns.

The plans for the town centres will be co-ordinated with a wide range of other projects which are gradually take shape in our changing  bay.

Projects which will help bring regeneration to the area include the development of 'The Ayrshire' golf course with hotel and holiday homes at Western Gailes on the edge of Irvine.

Patrick Wiggins, speaking about The Ayrshire:

“It is also important to us that this project will create jobs, and enhance skills in the area. We are also delighted that it will be pay as you play – opening up the course and encouraging visitors to the town as well as being accessible for local golfers.”

Plans to create a new community at Irvine Harbour are also well advanced, with developers Urban Splash taking the lead. Housing, shops and commercial accommodation will all be created, with a village feel to the development.

Community projects

While our main focus is the regeneration of the physical environment, we are also able to support a number of community initiatives. During summer 2009, we worked with North Ayrshire Council and YoungScot to deliver Big on the Beach, a highly successful summer activity festival for young people and children on the sea front at Ardrossan. The event is happening again for 2010.

We've have supported the refurbishment of the Glebe Tennis courts in Saltcoats and we're delighted to be involved with the community archaeological dig in Kilwinning.

We are also working closely with local schools on a wide range of education projects, involving young people in the regeneration of the area.