Official opening of new Council homes in Largs

Largs school children joined Provost Anthea Dickson to officially open North Ayrshire Council’s newest housing development.

A total of 26 modern and energy-efficient council homes have been built on the site off Linn Avenue.

Having previously been the site of St Mary’s Primary School, it was fitting that Largs school pupils joined the Provost to officially mark the development, which has been named St Mary’s Gardens.

As part of the opening ceremony, Largs Primary pupils recited a poem in appreciation of the town of Largs. The poem will be displayed on a plaque, accompanied by illustrations by St Mary’s Primary pupils.

And then pupils from Largs Academy created their own piece of history by burying a time capsule at the newly-created playpark, built as part of the development.

Working with development partners Hub South West and construction partner Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited, the pupils filled the capsule with items which have meaning to their school. These included a Largs Academy keyring, school pen, a study strategies handbook, a blue coin and even a Toffee Crisp.

Provost Dickson said: “It is wonderful to be joined by our talented young people today as we officially celebrate the latest new Council homes in North Ayrshire.

“I never cease to be amazed at the creativity and enthusiasm of our school pupils and they really helped make today one to remember.”

The £6.6m development at St Mary’s Crescent, which was supported by £4m of Scottish Government grant funding, has seen the creation of 14 general needs homes, as well as eight amenity flats and four amenity bungalows.

The development is a natural extension to the neighbouring Flatt Road development – on the site of the former Largs Academy – which was completed in 2022 and saw the creation of 122 new council homes.

Tom McEwan, Projects Director at Hub South West, said: “The opening of St Mary’s play area represents a proud milestone for North Ayrshire and follows on from the completion of the new build housing site earlier this year.

“At Hub South West, we’re honoured to have played a role in bringing the housing site and this inspiring new place space to life — a community space that will serve as a vibrant centre for learning, development, and community engagement. The St Mary’s project is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to creating environments that truly enrich lives.”

Euan Clark, Managing Director of Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, said: “We were delighted to complete the much-needed new build affordable housing development on the site of the former St Mary’s Primary School in Largs. This site was the final phase of the ‘Lot A’ works, which included both sheltered and supported accommodation units alongside general needs housing.

“North Ayrshire are a hugely valued client for us and we are proud to continue that relationship, in partnership with Hub South West, on vital housing developments such as these.

“With a number of ongoing and recently completed works, we have collectively delivered a tremendous number of Community Wealth Building objectives through supply chain and apprenticeship opportunities, along with direct engagement with schools and colleges. We were delighted to see the time capsule being buried, whilst wondering when it will be discovered in the future.”

The provision of the new homes supports the Council Plan priorities to improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and address climate change.

The homes are linked to the biomass heating system which was installed for the main Flatt Road development and means residents will benefit from the affordable, sustainable energy that is produced.

In addition to the biomass heating system, the homes support the Council’s sustainability ambitions, including solar panels, low energy lighting, electrical vehicle charging points and water saving fixtures and fittings.

Published: 19 September 2025