Full steam ahead for Stevenston

A project to create a new business centre for Stevenston is forging ahead following the appointment of a main contractor.

Maxi Construction has been awarded the £1.6m contract to build the Stevenston Business Centre by Irvine Bay Developments Limited.

The new 2-storey building, designed by Cooper Cromar, will provide 1025m² of flexible, quality accommodation, including offices, workshops and retail space, for small and start-up businesses. The steel frame building will feature zinc, natural stone and facing brick cladding and will incorporate cost-effective innovation, sustainability and green technnology.

The site of the former Grange bingo hall in the town was purchased by Irvine Bay for redevelopment as a business centre, and the former building on site has been demolished.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay, said: “The development is going ahead in response to the need for good quality business accommodation to stimulate the local economy, encourage new businesses to start and to attract business relocation into the area.”

The 12 month construction contract is due to start on site in November 2010. The project team includes Cooper Cromar, Architect; Doig + Smith, Cost Consultant; Scott Bennett Associates Ltd, Structural Engineer, Harley Haddow, Mechanical & Electrical Consultant and CDM Scotland, CDM Co-ordinator.