A NEW group is aiming to resurrect plans to create an open air amphitheatre in West Kilbride shelved more than a decade ago.

The newly formed West Kilbride Improvement Group, have revisited plans first mooted as part of the then West Kilbride Initiative’s Barony Church project.

The new group’s chair, David McMillan said: “We are attempting to bring to life ambitious plans for an open air Amphitheatre in the Glen at Main Street.

“These plans were professionally designed some 16 years ago on behalf of the West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd.

“The idea, at the time, was to link this in with the renovation of the Barony.

“This would be at the area of land that lies immediately behind the former Barony Church.

“The intention was to utilise the building as a changing facility if required for performances.

He said that the plans were revived following the visit of a council officer to determine proposals for a car park at the site.

“On realising the unsuitability of the area for a car park he inquired why there was not something more suitable for such an attractive area, hence the plans came to the surface.

He said that the goup have discussed their plans with Dr Audrey Sutton, NAC’s Head of Community and Culture.

Mr McMillan added: “Recently the WK Improvement Group were successful in securing £5000 from the North Ayrshire’s “Stalled Spaces” fund and have also applied to the WK Trust for the £4000 shortfall to upgrade and enhance the rear wall of the Main St Car Park at the Kings Arms.

“This will form the back drop of the Amphitheatre in the Glen.

“When these plans were original drawn up there were also exciting plans to create an Insect World in the Green Centre at the Quarry in Corse Street. ”