In 2021, 12% of all vacant and derelict land in Scotland was identified in North Ayrshire, one of the highest proportions of any Scottish Local Authority.
Combined, the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Register and Buildings at Risk Register identify over 250 sites, mostly in private ownership which require redevelopment.
These sites are subject to a legacy of issues, including:
- undermining
- contamination
- deterioration
- major industrial closures
There are several reasons for a lack of redevelopment, including economic, locational, or physical constraints. However, a lack of financial viability remains a common theme.
Progress has been made towards the re-use of sites, including steps to regenerate Strategic Development Areas identified in the North Ayrshire Local Development Plan. However, many sites continue to have a substantial impact on our communities and represent local priorities for action.
A refresh of the North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy, originally published in 2014, provides an opportunity to review the themes, aspirations, and challenges of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire.
The 2023-2027 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy will consider how vacant and derelict land fits within the wider context of National and Local priorities and objectives, including:
- community wealth building
- the challenge of net zero
- the climate emergency
The development of 2023-2027 North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy has been informed by consultation with stakeholders and local communities. This was undertaken in 2022 and through this, participants have highlighted the negative impact of vacant and derelict land and buildings, to the detriment of the environment, economy and community.
The draft 2023 – 2027 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy (PDF, 5.6mb) has been developed following stakeholder and local community consultation in 2022. The draft strategy proposes a number of themes and actions to address the issues of vacant and derelict land within our communities.
The Council is seeking feedback on the draft strategy, via an online questionnaire. The purpose of this consultation is to understand if the themes and actions identified address the aspirations or concerns communities and stakeholders have about Vacant and Derelict Land. A series of in person consultation events will also take place in the coming months, further details will be provided.
Consultation events
| Date | Location | Venue |
|---|
| Tuesday 21st March 2023 |
Kilwinning |
Kilwinning Library |
| Thursday 23rd March 2023 |
Largs |
Clarke Memorial Church - Annexe Hall |
| Monday 27th March 2023 |
Kilbirnie |
Bridgend Community Centre |
| Tuesday 28th March 2023 |
Irvine |
Rivergate Shopping Centre (escalators) |
| Tuesday 4th April 2023 |
Cumbrae |
Garrison House |
| Wednesday 5th April 2023 |
Saltcoats |
Saltcoats Town Hall |
| Tuesday 11th April 2023 |
Brodick |
Brodick Village Hall |
Please note: all events will be held between 3pm and 7pm.
The consultation will close on 23 April 2023.
An interactive Storymap is available that details the current sites that are registered by Scottish Government as vacant and derelict.
Please submit any questions to regeneration@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.