Active Travel gets a boost at i3

North Ayrshire Council has been awarded funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to improve active travel opportunities in the i3 Business Park in Irvine.

Existing footways are being upgraded and new connections created to provide better opportunities for people to walk and cycle to and within the business park.

The upgraded routes will also add to the network of recreational routes to the south-east of Irvine.

Some of the routes within the business park have become overgrown by vegetation with encroaching hedgerows, low-hanging branches and overgrown trees.

Wider paths will create safer facilities for walking and cycling, giving more space, better sightlines and improved lighting.

To enable the path works, some trees and bushes will require to be removed to allow for the paths to be widened and others are being cut back to prevent further encroachment.

Tree felling works began last week on Long Drive and are scheduled to commence along the River Irvine path in the coming months.

Where required, felling permission has been granted by Scottish Forestry on condition that new trees and shrubs will be planted nearby to compensate for any that are removed.

The Council’s Tree and Woodland Management Policy and Tree Planting Strategy further support the replacement and addition of native trees to enhance local biodiversity and increase nature connectivity.

Replacement and additional native trees and shrubs suitable to local soils and environment will be planted to improve the diversity, connectivity and age range of the existing woodland within the business park.

Published: 11 November 2025