North Ayrshire Council

Ardrossan’s transformation has begun. The next ten years will see £170 million invested in the area, capitalising on the inspirational beauty of Ardrossan's coastal location.

This nationally significant regeneration project will become a major centre for lifelong learning and academic excellence; a tourism destination of choice; a multi-modal transportation hub; and, gateway to Arran and Kintyre.

The ambitious plans will provide a powerful catalyst to stimulate economic growth, increase job opportunities and prosperity. An investment of this magnitude will shape the lives of many people from the local area and beyond – and provide the positive stimulus needed to transform the opportunities and prospects of future generations to come.

Ardrossan's Coastal Quarter proposes to include:

• A new community campus incorporating a relocated Ardrossan Academy and Winton Primary, early years class, a six lane swimming pool, library and health and social care accommodation
• The redevelopment of Ardrossan harbour
• An International Marine Sciences and Education centre, with the opportunity for training, academic and employment space and links to the school curriculum
• New housing development, with a mix of private and social housing
• An extended marine development off Montgomerie Pier
• A new coastal path with associated landscaping and public realm/civic space including road and active travel access improvements both within and out with the site
• Commercial uses such as office/leisure/hotel/small scale retail

However, currently capital projects across the country – and indeed the world - are facing an unprecedented set of circumstances caused by factors largely out with our control. These include the ongoing impact of the pandemic, escalating construction costs, supply chain issues and general market volatility.

These factors bring added complexity to both the procurement process and awarding contracts. This is especially true for the Ardrossan Coastal Quarter site. The vision for the site remains constant – to be a nationally significant regeneration project and a major centre for lifelong learning and academic excellence; a tourism destination of choice; a multi-modal transportation hub; and, a gateway to Arran and Kintyre.

Given the levels of uncertainty in the construction sector and the scale of the project, timescales are increasingly difficult to predict. We want to ensure that residents, partners and stakeholders have the most up-to-date and accurate information available, therefore our approach will be to provide updates about key construction milestones when these are agreed, secured and confirmed. This approach ensures better accuracy and clarity about information we are publishing and provides everyone with surety and confidence as we move forward with our ambitious plans. 

What's happening and what's in the pipeline

Planning approval was granted on 10 March 2022 for the ground preparation work. 

You may also be interested in

• Ardrossan Community Development Trust projects
• Ayrshire Growth Deal