SCOTLAND'S Housing and Welfare Minister, Margaret Burgess MSP, paid a visit to Saltcoats Town Hall to learn more about the project to transform the landmark building last week.

The Scottish Government has provided around £1.1millon in funding to help progress the project, which is being led by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company in partnership with North Ayrshire Council.

The B-listed building has the potential to once again become a focal point for the town centre, as a heritage centre, gallery, museum and office space.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “Irvine Bay has been working closely with North Ayrshire Council on the Saltcoats Town Hall project to bring it back into regular use.

“We are grateful for the funding from Scottish Government and for the continued support for our work and our plans that this demonstrates.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners, particularly North Ayrshire Council, to ensure this progress continues.” Irvine Bay operates as part of Team North Ayrshire – involving a raft of key organisations working together to ensure businesses can easily access the support they need to realise their ambitions.

Council Leader Willie Gibson said: “It’s been a long hard road getting to this stage but I am confident that Saltcoats Town Hall will once again be a building we can all be proud of.

“The redevelopment project will transform the place and, with other important Council services moving in, it will become a tremendous asset for local people.

“I am happy to see that a sound funding proposal has been put together and North Ayrshire Council is leading the way in investing in this iconic property.”