Ambitious plans have been revealed for a new 'shared use' cycle path and walkway in Ardrossan.

North Ayrshire Council chiefs have applied for planing permission for the route linking the town centre to the ferry terminal at Ardrossan Harbour.

They claim that the development will help regenerate and improve the local area, attract more visitors and improve the lives of residents.

Environmental consultants say that space limitations along the route mean the path will have to be shared between cyclists and pedestrians, rather than segregated.

The route will take pedestrians and cyclists from the ferry terminal past Ardrossan Harbour railway station, around the east side of the Marina Quay building, past the front of the Clyde Marina HQ on Dock Road and alongside the marina itself before crossing Dockers Gardens and following the pavement down the south side of Princes Street, past the Herald building to the Glasgow Street junction.

It's hoped the project will encourage pedestrians and cyclists away from the current path and pavements linking the harbour area with the town centre, alongside the busy vehicle approaches to the ferry terminal and Asda supermarket on Harbour Street.

Documents in support of the bid were lodged with the local authority on March 31 by Edinburgh environmental consultants Ironside Farrar.

No cost details were given or a date for when work might start, though a decision on the proposals is expected by early June.

Work – subject to planning permission being granted – is expected to take several months to complete.

Building plans for the route, part of the the Ardrossan Active Travel Connections project, include fences, barriers, gates, signage, murals, crossing points, and road improvements.

Local residents and businesses affected by the work in Mariners View, Princes Street, Dock Road, Dockers Gardens and Winton Pier were all notified of the plans this week.

In their planning submission Ironside Farrar, who are acting on behalf of the council, claim the project has many benefits and meets the council's own local development plan.

They added: "The project seeks to formalise and sign a pedestrian and cycle route from the town centre of Ardrossan to the ferry terminal, creating a safe, quality and consistent route for all users.

"Works sit alongside wider Sustrans work within the town centre; however it is acknowledged that space limitations and constraints mean that the connections route is required to be 'shared use', as opposed to segregated in its form.

"The development represents an enhancement of an existing route for pedestrians and bike users, providing an active link between terminal and town centre.

"Investment in the route will support the long term value of the area."

Ironside Farrar say their plans will provide high quality walking, wheeling and cycling and regenerate the Ardrossan North Shore area by increasing the number of people coming from the town centre.

The project is also being carried out in conjunction with the UK cycling charity Sustrans.

The £400,000 cost is being met by money from the European Regional Development Fund. 

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We have submitted a planning application to create a high-quality path between the ferry terminal, Ardrossan Harbour rail station and the town centre.

"This will include upgrading the existing path through widening and resurfacing, as well as installing new fencing. New signage and information boards will also be incorporated along the route to provide information on local facilities and historical points of interest.

“Subject to planning permission being approved we hope work would start in the next few months.”