Youngsters star in Irvine Bay

A group of local primary school children are to star in a special video designed to promote the Irvine Bay area.

The group of 36 from St Anthony’s Primary School in Saltcoats are to take starring roles in a three-minute film being produced to show the work being carried out to revitalise the five towns.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is behind the project, which is being filmed professionally during the next few weeks at a number of locations throughout the area.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive, said: “Irvine Bay Regeneration Company has worked closely with schools in the five towns, developing innovative and award-winning projects to help our young people understand what our work is about and to use the opportunities it presents as a fun and practical learning opportunity.

“Why are we doing this? It’s important that as we continue to see our work develop, the people of Irvine Bay have a clear idea of what this organisation stands for and what it does.”

Funded by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and North Ayrshire Council, the company was established in 2006 with a vision – to create places where people will thrive, businesses will flourish and communities will grow.

Mr Wiggins added: “Creating new jobs is a top priority, and it is our role to do this by creating the physical conditions that encourage new investment, both from existing businesses and incoming businesses. That means better office, commercial and industrial space for businesses to grow and expand; a more attractive environment to attract and retain people; a better mix of quality housing.

“We work closely with our partners to create step change projects, and these include projects like Ardrossan Marina, ‘The Ayrshire’ golf complex at Irvine, and the town centre regeneration at Kilwinning. We rediscover, repair and renew the physical infrastructure of our area to leverage private sector investment. Our aim is that for every £1 we spend, we leverage £5 of private sector cash. If we can succeed, we will create around 1,500 new jobs, up to 2,000 construction jobs, 60,000 sq metres of business space and 1,200 new houses.

“Having an Urban Regeneration Company in the area is a massive advantage, especially at a time when the market is tough. We can help developers who have difficulties with projects’ viability, can help them access funds and credit, and can help with up front design costs and planning. We can even look at long-term partnering and joint ventures.

“All of this is delivered through a 12 year business plan, endorsed by the Scottish Government, and with the long-term commitment of our partners North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise. In other words, we’re here for the long haul to help to create a better, wealthier, happier Irvine Bay.”