Townhouse set for ambitious refurb

Dec 14 2012 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

Irvine’s iconic Townhouse is set for an ambitious make-over that’s set to last two years.

The £3.7million redevelopment will see the Townhouse transformed into a cultural and historical centre and is expected to be complete by July 2015.

The move is part of proposals to build a new leisure centre worth £17 million, next to the iconic building.

The new leisure centre will eventually replace the Magnum

The redevelopment could also see the War Memorial moved to a prominent position outside of the Townhouse.

The Council has been in discussion with the British Legion about moving the memorial.

Irvine Area Committee Councillors were given an update on the plans for the worn building, with work scheduled to start in July 2013.

Councillor Marie Burns, North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said:

“This is a really exciting opportunity to breathe new life into this historic building.

“The investment will see the building brought back into use for people from Irvine, across North Ayrshire and beyond.”

Councillors heard from project architect David Lawless who described the potential renovation and conservation work.

He said: “The plans will bring a building back to life and provide a source of enjoyment for the town and North Ayrshire.”

Irvine Area Committee Chair, Councillor Joan Sturgeon, said: “It was fantastic to hear about some of the proposals that will see the see Irvine and North Ayrshire’s past and present brought together under the one roof.”

The Townhouse was controversially sold from the Common Good Fund for £1 to North Ayrshire Council in September, with the condition that £3.7 million is spent on a redevelopment.