THE former homeless hostel in Green Street has been demolished to pave the way for a new housing development.

Cunninghame Housing Association, working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, have agreed the inclusion of the Green Street/Vernon Street building within the North Ayrshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan.

The new development will see the delivery of 24 new flats, with lift access to enable the flats to be fully accessible on all floors.

The demolition contract has been awarded to Geo Beattie & Sons and demolition work will take eight weeks with the new build project scheduled to start on site in February 2022.

A ceremony was held to mark the start of the demolition contract, with Councillor Jim Montgomerie and the association’s board members in attendance.

Cllr Jim Montgomerie said: “I am delighted to see our latest housing development start in Saltcoats. It is in a fantastic location with easy access to the Town, bus stop and railway station.”