Ardrossan is set to become home to two low carbon travel and transport hubs as part of the council’s plans to make the town ‘better, fairer and greener’.

The ‘ambitious’ proposals have moved a step closer to reality after North Ayrshire Council received over £1million from the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to develop the plans.

The first hub at Ardrossan harbour will include electric vehicle (two rapid and two fast electric vehicle chargers for a total of eight bays) and electric bike charging stations, cycle parking, active travel information and signage, resting points and bike maintenance facilities.

The second hub will be located on the North Shore and again will include electric vehicle and electric bike charging stations, cycle parking for commuter journeys, public bike pumps and tools, active travel information and signage, public transport information and resting points.

The 1.3km path works will then connect the two sites to the town centre, constructing missing links and creating a more connected network for the town.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for the green new deal and sustainability, said: “We have ambitious plans for Ardrossan which mirror our aspirations for the whole of North Ayrshire.

“We recently launched our economic recovery plans and we are determined to build back the local economy better, fairer and greener. We want to create a much more sustainable environment across the region and have committed to having net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. So we are delighted that the plans for more electric charging points and better active travel routes can start to take shape.

“As a council we are committed to the regeneration of our towns, and we are looking at how we can make the most of these significant opportunities.

“The site in in Ardrossan represents the biggest regeneration proposal in North Ayrshire, and together the Harbour and North Shore sites are set to see capital investment of over £150 million over a five-year period in what are exciting times for Ardrossan.”

The proposals form part of the council’s overall vision for the area which includes the new Ardrossan education campus – which incorporates a new swimming pool.