Ambitious plans to improve eyesore Irvine areas take major step forward

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Ambitious plans to redevelop buildings in Irvine town centre have taken a major step forward, North Ayrshire Council heard on Wednesday.The buildings in question include former nightclub Ruby Tuesday’s and the old Forum Shopping Centre.A working group comprising elected members from Irvine, East, West and South Wards and representatives from Corporate Property and Transport and Sustainability, Economic Development, Growth and Regeneration, Finance, Housing and Public Protection and Neighbourhoods have now met twice.The group has identified three initial actions:Nothing has been heard yet from owners but officers from Regeneration and Protective Services will continue to reach out.Contact with Rivergate Shopping Centre has been positive and is ongoing to identify opportunities of partnership working.Irvine West Councillor and Depute Leader Shaun Macaulay said: “It is positive to see the work the council are doing to create opportunities to develop Ruby Tuesday’s and that area of the town.

The report highlighted the working group I’ve been part of that is looking at a range of options for the area, and crucially trying to engage better with the private owners of the buildings.“We don’t own those buildings but we are doing what we can.“I see the potential in this area and am determined to do what I can as a local councillor to find a solution for this.“I know the Irvine community are fully behind the council and support the regeneration of a once vibrant part of the town.”An update on progress is to be considered at a council meeting late this year. Read next: Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter