February 15 2022

North Ayrshire Council has progressed its Grand Harbour initiative with the launch of a consultation detailing the first phase of efforts to reconnect Irvine to its coast via a 'string of pearls'

The linear regeneration drive seeks to reconnect the town with its waterfront through a network of parks, leisure facilities and heritage destinations, for which £14m has been allocated by the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

Initial projects include restoration of the B-listed Pilot Tower House and creation of a park and play facility at the existing Beach Pavilion both of which will serve as honeypots seeding a cultural draw that can help put Irvine on the map as the hub of a 'maritime mile', a waterside walkway linking planned attractions to the town centre.

Planned interventions include investments in public realm and signage to unify this activity behind a coherent active travel route defined by pavement graphics and street furniture as well as the installation of power and water connections for pop-up events at a future marina activity hub.

An enhanced heritage and arts hub around the established Maritime Museum in the town centre is also planned at a later date, terminating a beach walk running parallel with the River Irvine. 

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