New restaurant opens in listed pumphouse

Ardrossan harbour's regeneration plans took another major step forward this evening with the gala opening of a bar and bistro in the listed former pumphouse building.

The Cecchini family, who have run restaurants in Ayrshire for almost 20 years, hosted a spectacular first night party at their new waterfront establishment at Clyde Marina.

The former pumphouse, which has lain unused for many years, has been transformed into a 100-seater restaurant, and a 100 seater bar and bistro with conservatory - aimed a encouraging more visitors to the harbour area, both local people and those from further afield.

It will be run by Aldo Cecchini, originally from Barga in Italy, who opened his first restaurant in Troon 18 years ago, and his son Anthony.

The family, who also have a restaurant in Ayr, have been planning this for the last two years, and are delighted to be part of the regeneration plans for Ardrossan, in a partnership project involving Clydeport, Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and North Ayrshire Council.

Anthony Cecchini said: “This is a very exciting time for our family. We have always had a lot of business from the Three Towns, and so we thought it would be good to open in Ardrossan. It is a fantastic opportunity, and over the next few years the area will develop greatly. Clyde Marina will bring new shops and houses, which together with the ferry and yacht marina will attract many people here.”

Patrick Wiggins, chief executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “Our main objective is to make Irvine Bay a far more desirable place in which to live, work and visit and we were happy to support this development in Ardrossan. Over many years Clydeport has made a major contribution to regeneration in the harbour area which has also benefited the town, and in conjunction with Clyde Marina have done a great job developing the marina. We are keen to support further regeneration by creating new quality housing, leisure facilities and new jobs.  The Cecchini family has transformed the former pumphouse at Ardrossan harbour, which has been lying derelict for a number of years, into a vibrant, family restaurant which will not only help to revitalise the harbour area but it will play a huge role in attracting visitors to the town.”

Clydeport property director Euan Jamieson said: "Today's opening of the listed pumphouse at Clyde Marina into a restaurant marks yet another important step forward in the regeneration of Ardrossan – not just the harbour, but the area as a whole. The Cecchini family is well-known for running a strong local company with a proven track record of success in Ayrshire, and we are delighted to have worked with them on this new restaurant which will give an attractive focus at the harbour front.

“We are grateful to Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and North Ayrshire Council for financial assistance that has allowed a high quality conversion to take place and deliver a leisure facility of the highest standard for local people and for visitors. Our partners have identified this development as key to the continuing regeneration of Ardrossan harbour, and we look forward to an ongoing strong relationship with all our partners to make the overall Ardrossan masterplan a reality.

“Cecchini’s restaurant will encourage people to come to the harbour area at all times of day. A greatly expanded marina is also a key part of the redevelopment, as is the creation of a modern urban environment of varied housing types, public realm and landscaping.

“It is an exciting time for the regeneration of Ardrossan. The new ASDA supermarket, which has been built to the south of the existing shops in Princes Street and Glasgow Street, is already enhancing the retail offering available to the residents of the Three Towns and beyond, including the Isle of Arran, and revitalising Ardrossan town centre.”