RESIDENTS and interested parties are being invited to view plans for North Ayrshire Council’s largest-ever housing development.

Those in attendance will also have the chance to 'meet the builder' before construction of the 202 planned homes gets underway on the former site of the maternity unit at Ayrshire Central, Irvine.

The proposal, which is being supported by £24m Scottish Government grant, will see a mix of general needs houses, amenity bungalows and homes suitable for wheelchair users.

Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited have been awarded the £50million contract for the development and on Monday, October 21 - at Castlepark Community Centre - appointments are available from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm for those looking to find out more from the contractor.

You can book a place at the event, by emailing developmentandstrategy@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or calling 01294 324031.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands, said: “This is a hugely exciting development, breathing new life into what is now a derelict site.

“It will also be North Ayrshire Council’s largest-ever development of new council homes, delivering more than 200 much-needed modern and energy-efficient homes for residents.

“Plans for the new homes have been prepared collaboratively, with the council working closely with the local community and the NHS as neighbours, with the design taking its lead from the architecture of the adjacent Ayrshire Central hospital.”

Scottish housing minister Paul McLennan added: “Everyone deserves a safe, warm and affordable home that meets their needs and I am pleased that this new development in Irvine will be backed by £24 million of Scottish Government funding over the next few years.

“This development will help to address significant housing pressures in the area by transforming vacant land into over 200 new energy-efficient homes for the local community. This was made possible by working together with our partners in North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

“We will continue to focus on boosting affordable housing supply, investing over £600 million this financial year, to deliver more high quality, permanent homes, in the right place for everyone."

Further details on the plans are also available online at northayrshire.community/consultation/council-house-building-ayrshire-central-meet-the-builder-event/.