A £10.5million International Marine Science and Environmental Centre in Ardrossan will be included in investment delivered by the Ayrshire Growth Deal after the historic papers were signed on Friday.

A multi-million pound investment package that will change the face of Ayrshire was rubber-stamped by the three Ayrshire Councils and the UK and Scottish Governments.

It is hoped the deal will create approximately 7000 jobs across a wide range of sectors. The investment will be delivered over a 15-year period.

Included in the deal will be £14m tourism investment at Irvine Harbourside and Ardeer Peninsula, £18 million for the Centre for Research into Low Carbon Energy and Circular Economy (CECE) at the Hunterston Strategic West Scotland Industrial Hub and the new Environmental Centre as well as massive projects in South and East Ayrshire.

One of the key features of the deal is to ensure that our residents and communities can take advantage of these new opportunities as they come on stream. Over £8m will be invested to improve the skills of Ayrshire residents with extra support for those furthest away from the labour market.

Ayrshire’s three council leaders were joined by the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon David Mundell MP, and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson MSP, to sign the Heads of Terms on the deal.

Michael Matheson said: “Today’s Ayrshire Growth Deal demonstrates our commitment to supporting the region and delivering long-term benefits to the local economy.

“The Scottish Government will invest £103 million as part of a £251.5 million Growth Deal that will drive inclusive growth and benefit people across Ayrshire. Partners estimate this will leverage £300 million of additional investment from the private sector and around 7,000 jobs for the region.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “It’s fantastic news that the UK Government is to invest more than £100 million to grow Ayrshire’s economy, create jobs and boost prosperity. This investment will transform the Ayrshire economy over the coming 15 years.

“We are investing in a raft of exciting and ambitious projects right across Ayrshire. Initiatives include an aerospace development at Prestwick, a low carbon energy scheme at Hunterston, a local electricity supply project in Cumnock, a manufacturing corridor in Kilmarnock, and a digital subsea cable to dramatically improve connectivity.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “This is extremely exciting as there is huge potential here in Ayrshire. Now we have a chance to really capitalise on our strengths.

“At the very heart of the Deal, and a vision that is shared by all the partners, is inclusion. We feel that successful economies are inclusive economies and tacking inequality will help ensure that the region is primed and ready to compete in the global market.

“The vision is for Ayrshire to be a vibrant, outward looking and confident region that is an even better place to live and attractive to investors and visitors. We believe Ayrshire can make a major contribution to Scottish and UK growth.”