Minister for Communities and Sport, Stewart Maxwell, visits Irvine Bay URC
27 August 2007
Stewart Maxwell, the Minister for Communities and Sport, visited Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company today ( Monday, August 27) and saw at first hand a number of regeneration projects in Ardrossan and Irvine which form part of the URC's multi-million plan for the area.In Ardrossan he visited the town centre to see progress on refurbishing empty shop units and the current major new redevelopments at Ardrossan harbourside.
In Irvine he visited the Vineburgh Community Centre to learn about the plans for the £37 million housing regeneration project in Vineburgh being undertaken by North Ayrshire Council and Cunninghame Housing Association.
He also toured the site of the proposed new housing and commercial development at Irvine Harbourside and heard of plans for the creation of a new 18 hole golf course, hotel and leisure facilities at Marine Drive, Irvine.
Baroness Ford, Chairman of Irvine Bay URC said: "Our regeneration plans for the Irvine Bay area are now taking shape and we are delighted to welcome the Minister to see at first hand some of the early progress which has been made.
"Our clear focus is on helping to bring new jobs and new investment to the five towns of Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston to help make them better places to live and work and to make the most of our stunning natural environment."
Minister for Communities and Sport, Stewart Maxwell said: "These projects are great examples of regeneration in action. We're fully behind the hard work to transform lives and communities in North Ayrshire by building partnerships across the public and private sectors and getting local people involved.
"It is gratifying that this multi-faceted approach is helping to breathe new life into the area by encouraging people to live, work and invest in North Ayrshire."
Irvine Bay URC was established by the Scottish Executive to work with its partners, North Ayrshire Council, Communities Scotland and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire to help increase jobs and wealth within the five towns of Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenson.
Its ten year, multi-million programme includes plans for new housing, new shops and offices and major new leisure attractions including a new links golf course at Irvine, new sporting and leisure facilities and waterfront and coastal attractions to benefit both local residents and visitors.
For further information please contact:
Dorothy Fenwick, Communications Manager, Irvine Bay URC
Office : 01294 608634
Mobile :0779 314 4763