Local residents, businesses and other interested parties are being invited to a ‘Meet the Builder’ event to view plans for the redevelopment of the historic King’s Arms Hotel in Irvine.

A total of six new homes are planned as part of the transformation of the High Street landmark.

Building work is expected to get under way this summer, with new amenity homes for affordable rent being created as part of North Ayrshire Council’s affordable house building programme.

The six amenity properties will be a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, and will receive more than £1.369m funding from the Scottish Government to help breathe new life into the building and make a significant contribution towards the wider regeneration of Irvine town centre.

Interested parties can view the plans on Tuesday, April 30, and discuss the proposals with the main contractor for the redevelopment, McLaughlin Construction.

The event will be held at the Volunteer Rooms, Parterre, Irvine, from 4pm to 6pm.

To book your place at the event, email developmentandstrategy@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or telephone 01294 324031.

Irvine Times: The design for the new buildingThe design for the new building (Image: NAC)

Originally dating from the early 19th century, the King’s Arms Hotel is a C-listed building and is located within the Irvine Town Centre Conservation Area.

However, the High Street building fell into gradual disrepair in the years following the closure of the bar and restaurant in 2015.

In response to the lack of investment and declining condition of the prominent local landmark, the council purchased the building.

NAC says that when redevelopment work gets under way this summer, the utmost care will be taken to retain the original front façade of the property.

A spokesperson added: "As part of the council’s commitment to tackling climate and providing energy efficient homes, a 'fabric first' approach will be adopted for the site to reduce heat loss and minimise carbon emissions.

"Air source heat pumps will be installed to provide heating and hot water at the site, and solar photovoltaic panels will also be included on the site roof to provide electricity for the communal areas of the building."