Our history

In 2005 North Ayrshire Council commissioned an economic analysis of the Irvine Bay area to identify the current economic and physical issues and to develop a strategy for urban renewal. The study analysed the conditions and prospects of the area; discussed the strategic choices and identified eight main challenges facing the area. These were to:

• Reverse economic decline
• Improve housing quality and choice and raise values
• Improve workforce skills and qualifications
• Tackle poverty and exclusion
• Modernise business property and infrastructure
• Improve quality of life
• Improve on the built and natural environment
• Change perceptions and establish a new image

The recommendations of the report set out a vision for the area and explored options for their delivery. After a full appraisal of available options, the report concluded that an Urban Regeneration Company (URC) would be the preferred delivery vehicle to facilitate the level of transformational change required and to act as a catalyst for stimulating investment and start the process of economic recovery.

In 2005 North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire took the recommendations to the Scottish Executive and after a process of dialogue, consultation and further research and studies the Executive agreed to grant URC pathfinder status. Subsequently, Irvine Bay was recognised as a national regeneration priority as announced in the Regeneration Statement at its launch by the Minister of Communities in March 2006.

In October 2006, Irvine Bay Regeneration Company opened for business. The principle role of the URC is the physical transformation of the area. Through this, and by creating the conditions for sustainable private sector investment, it will facilitate the process of economic recovery leading to increased employment prospects for residents and a turnaround in the fortunes of the area.

Although relatively new in Scotland, Urban Regeneration Companies (URCs) have been operational in England since 1999. They were introduced to stimulate new investment into areas of economic decline and to co-ordinate plans for their regeneration and redevelopment. Evidence has shown that investment in URC areas is higher than in non URC areas. Their success comes from uniting public and private sector partners. URCs are independent companies, established by the Local Authority and Local Enterprise Company in Scotland (and by Regional Development Agencies in England).  The URC will work alongside the Scottish Executive and other local stakeholders including employers, amenity groups and community representatives.