Innovative proposals to help revive unused land across the community have been approved by North Ayrshire Council.
The regeneration of vacant and derelict land plays a key role within the priorities of the council plan, community wealth building strategy and regeneration delivery plan.
This is aimed at using land and assets to support wellbeing in local communities and tackle the significant legacy of vacant and derelict land by working with communities to bring it back into positive use.
Depute council leader Shaun Macaulay has welcomed the move.
He said: “Vacant land is something that the public see and, speaking as an Irvine councillor, I know some areas are really struggling.
“This strategy sets out that we are not just sitting on our hands saying there is nothing we can do but shows what we are doing to seek funding proactively to seek funding from a whole range of sources. We can turn derelict land into housing space or community hubs.
“It gives us a lot of confidence as a cabinet that we can improve the area.”
The North Ayrshire vacant and derelict land strategy 2023-2028 looks at how vacant and derelict land fits within, and supports, the wider context of national and local priorities and objectives.
North Ayrshire has 12 per cent of all vacant and derelict land in Scotland – one of the highest proportions of any local authority.
Some sites have suffered contamination, deterioration or major industrial closures. However, they have a common theme – lack of financial viability.
The proposed strategy includes a series of actions to promote the positive re-use of sites where it could benefit communities. They could be developed or use to create a green space.
Among projects to be benefit so far are Lochshore, Kilibrnie which has seen the completion of a £4.2 million visitor and community hub.
Meanwhile, investment at i3, Irvine will result in the creation of a digital processing manufacturing centre (DPMC).
Applications to the 2024-25 vacant and derelict land programme for a new commercial estate at Kyle Road, and a town centre living project at Bank Street, Irvine, are through to round two of the fund and decisions are expected early next year.
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