High Profile developments kick start Irvine Bay’s masterplan
21 September 2007
Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, the newest of Scotland's five URCs has kickstarted its £100 million masterplan with two major developments at Irvine.The URC is seeking a development partner to create a new 18 hole links golf course, hotel and supporting facilities on a 171 acre beachfront site at Irvine and is also working on a shortlist to appoint a development partner for a £30 million mixed use scheme at Irvine Harbour.
The golf course development is considered to be one of Scotland's prime leisure development sites.
Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay said: "This site at Irvine has potential to provide one of the most outstanding Scottish links course with adjacent high quality supporting leisure developments including a new hotel. It is one of the prime development opportunities in Scotland at present.
"Already we have been encouraged by the level of interest shown in this development and we expect that keen interest to grow as we continue to market the site both here and abroad. We see this opportunity as a key component in the growth of our tourism product and of the rebalancing of the Irvine Bay economy. "
Expressions of interest are being sought and a short list of bidders is expected to be prepared early in December. King Sturge is agent for the golf course development.
In a second project, this time at Irvine Harbourside, the Regeneration Company will be appointing a development partner on an 11 acre waterfront site where a residential led mixed use development is planned. The £30 million project will include new homes, some commercial premises and leisure facilities adjacent to the popular Harbour district of the town.
The development has already attracted much interest from developers from across the UK and the URC expect to make an announcement on their preferred developer early in the new year.
Irvine Bay is one of five Scottish urban regeneration companies, established by the Scottish Government. Its partners are North Ayrshire Council, Communities Scotland and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire.
In a ten year masterplan, Irvine Bay aims to regenerate the five North Ayrshire towns of Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenson through a £100 million investment programme which seeks to help bring more jobs, housing and leisure facilities to the area.