Scottish Training Foundation moves to Ardrossan

Councillor David O'Neill, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, officially opened the Scottish Training Foundation’s new premises in Ardrossan today.

The former bank building in Princes Street had lain empty for about six years when Irvine Bay Regeneration Company bought it. Completed in June 2008, the refurbishment and extension of this stand-alone two-storey building has provided 3800 sq ft of office space.

The Scottish Training Foundation (STF) is a social enterprise company and provides training to help people from North Ayrshire into employment. They had been looking for new premises for a number of years when they became aware of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company’s role in regenerating the area. 93 Princes Street, although derelict at the time, was the perfect size and location for STF’s new training centre.

Patrick Wiggins, Irvine Bay Regeneration Company’s Chief Executive said: “We are committed to creating an environment where new and existing businesses can thrive. The Scottish Training Foundation moving to Ardrossan is a tangible example of direct action we can take to stimulate the local property market.”

As planning was at early stages, STF had the opportunity to influence the layout of the rooms and the IT infrastructure to ensure they met the needs of the business.

STF moved into the premises at the beginning of June. The staff, clients and visitors are overwhelmed with their new training centre.

Morag Sinclair, Chief Executive said “I am delighted we have been able to secure the lease on these premises. It has everything we could possibly wish for in a training centre with a range of good-sized training and interview rooms ― many with a sea view ― conference facilities and, most importantly, it is DDA compliant. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, Architect P Cronin and McLaughlin Construction staff for keeping us informed of progress and meeting our specification requirements.”

It was also seen as a real opportunity to add value to the business community and fitted with the regeneration of Ardrossan as the large number of clients attending the centre would see Ardrossan as a good place to live and work with the opening of ASDA and other planned developments.