THE demolition of Irvine’s iconic Magnum Leisure Centre has now begun.

On Tuesday morning diggers started work ripping up the much-missed facility.

Central Demolition Ltd were appointed as contractors to undertake the demolition. They took possession of the building at the end of May but have only now begun tearing the building down after an internal strip out and the removal of asbestos.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “Due to the construction method and materials used in the building the demolition will be phased over several months to ensure all activities are carried out in a planned and safe manner.

“The demolition of the Magnum will allow the Council to progress with its regeneration plans for the Irvine Harbour area and beyond, and form a component part of the ambitious proposals set out in the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

“In addition, there are a variety of community benefits associated with this contract including a half year apprenticeship programme and support for a variety of employment and skills projects for local school pupils.”

After 40 years the Magnum Leisure Centre closed its doors for good in December, to the sadness of many Irvine and Ayrshire residents with fond memories of the centre – once the largest in Europe.

Built in 1975 at a cost of £3.2million, the centre was constructed as the crown jewel of the New Town’s Beach Park development.

The official opening for the Magnum - at that time the largest leisure centre in Europe - was on September 18, 1976.

The Magnum was an immediate success for Irvine with an annual average attendance of over one million people – leaving other town council’s green with envy.

At one point, only Edinburgh Castle surpassed the Magnum for visitors.