CONSTRUCTION work is underway at the site of a new housing development in Ardrossan.

Ground was officially broken earlier this week at the former James McFarlane school location where 19 North Ayrshire Council homes are to be built.

The milestone was marked with a special ceremony which was attended by Provost Anthea Dickson as well as representatives from hub South West and Ashleigh (Scotland) who will be carrying out the project.

Pupils from nearby Stanley Primary School, who took part in a poster design competition on the topic of health and safety, were also in attendance to mark the occasion.

The winners of this contest were Lacey Ramage (P6) and Leon Cairns (P3) who were presented with prizes by Provost Dickson on the day.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Work has officially began on a council housing project at the former James McFarlane school in

Once completed, the properties will feature a mix of general needs, amenity bungalows and wheelchair liveable properties.

Michael Ross, chief executive of hub South West, said: “We are delighted to start work on this project and work in partnership with North Ayrshire Council to deliver their next generation of sustainable housing.

"We are proud to have delivered over 380 affordable housing units to date for the authority and look forward to enabling more community wealth building outcomes from the affordable housing programme.”

While Euan Clark, commercial director at Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited, added: “We are delighted to get started on this much-needed new build affordable housing development.

"North Ayrshire are a valued client for us and we are proud to continue that relationship, in partnership with hub South West.

“This continuity allows to deliver on our collective community wealth objectives through supply chain and apprenticeship opportunities.

"We look forward to working with the delivery team towards a successful handover of these developments.”

The £4.8million development has received Scottish Government funding of £2million and it is hoped work will be completed by summer next year.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands, commented: “The cost-of-living crisis has brought home to us all the need to support our communities to live in a safe, secure and healthy environment, which is fundamental to their wellbeing.

“One of the key factors in that is being able to provide comfortable and affordable accommodation so that everyone has a place to call home.

“The new homes at the former James McFarlane school site will be the latest step towards reaching our development goals.”