COUNCIL chiefs have confirmed they are planning to buy Red Cross House and re-open it as a rehabilitation centre, the Times can exclusively reveal.

At a full Cabinet meeting on Tuesday councillors discussed and confirmed the purchase of the former Options for Independence Centre in Tarryholm Drive was at “an advanced stage”.

While full details and cost of the purchase are still to be disclosed, the Times can reveal that North Ayrshire Council fully intends to transform the stricken facility’s fortunes and re-open as a “community-based rehabilitation resource for people with a range of needs”.

Speaking first and exclusively to the Irvine Times, a spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “The council and NHS are at an advanced stage of discussions with the Red Cross and are hopeful that this building can once again become an important community resource.

“If successful, we will look to draw up a development plan as soon as possible to allow Red Cross House to provide a community-based rehabilitation resource for people with a range of needs.”

In November, the Times launched an appeal to Save Red Cross House after it was revealed it would be closing its doors unless a buyer could be found by the April 15, 2016 deadline.

Despite interest from several parties, no purchase was ever made and the future of the facility looked to be doomed, leaving 21 vulnerable residents displaced and needing rehomed and its 77 staff redundant.

Options for Independence was one of only two facilities of its kind in Scotland and worked with adults who were adjusting to an illness, health condition or disability, with some users actually living within the facility.

A spokesman for British Red Cross said: “We can confirm that discussions are at an advanced stage between North Ayrshire Council and agents acting on behalf of the British Red Cross.

“The British Red Cross would be absolutely delighted if the former Options for Independence can once again be used for the benefit of the community.”