Irvine's Great Harbour Project moves a step closer

The £14 million Great Harbour project – a key component of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal – is a transformational regeneration tourism proposal for the area.

And the first phase could be completed by next summer.

Earlier this year, the masterplan was approved following consultation with the local community and stakeholders, and it sets out the vision for how the area can be developed and improved using £14m of Growth Deal funding as the catalyst.

Central to the ‘Great Harbour’ plans is the ‘Maritime Mile’ – the route from Irvine train station to Irvine Beach Park – where the aim is to transform the area into a new waterfront destination.

Phase one of the project will see the creation of a coastal hub which includes a major new play facility at the beach park, access improvements and with plans at a later stage, subject to funding, to redevelop the beach pavilion building.

The harbour plans (Image: NAC) At a meeting of NAC's cabinet, councillors confirmed the full business case for the coastal hub - which should allow works on the site to happen later this year, subject to final approval of the Ayrshire Economic Join Committee and the award of the works tender.

It is hoped that the nautically-themed playpark – situated at the Beach Park - will be complete by summer/autumn 2025.

This first phase will also include improvements to the historic pilot house, including a new landscaped setting that reflects the coastal location and celebrates the heritage of Irvine Harbour. The digital infrastructure – 5g, wi-fi, Internet of Things (loT) - will also be enhanced in the area through separate projects which are currently being developed.

Following the first phase, work will begin on a Maritime Mile, including the marine and arts hub and will feature a new waterfront space helping to support events, improved access to marine facilities, and the redevelopment of the harbour master’s office.

The third phase involves creating a maritime heritage hub. This will see the council work in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum to enhance and expand existing facilities around the harbourside, focusing on the gallery extension to the Puffers Café and its setting.

It is hoped that this will increase visitor numbers and encourage increased participation in maritime heritage in the area.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “There has been a great deal of detailed work that has gone into this and the robust full business case should allow us to move forward to the construction stage.

“The coastal hub element is the first of the three phases and we are all very excited about the work that is being planned. We have engaged extensively with our young people and there is already a sense of anticipation about the new play park.

"It won’t be too long before work starts and we can start envisaging its completion and seeing it packed out with happy young people and families.

“We want to create something that residents can enjoy and be proud of and this is an important milestone for this Ayrshire Growth Deal project.”

The overall funding for the Great Harbour comprises of £9m from the Scottish Government and £5m from North Ayrshire Council.