TALKS are still ongoing between Chinese investors and council bosses over the Big Idea site.

The Times understands North Ayrshire Council chiefs have continued discussions with potential investors from China about taking over the site of the former inventor centre site on the Ardeer Peninsula.

Back in July, the Times exclusively revealed that a delegation from China - including Consul General Pan Xinchun - had visited the site after being given a tour by Head of Service Karen Yeomans, Councillor Marie Burns and outgoing Provost Joan Sturgeon.

Since then however, at least one further meeting has taken place in Irvine between a delegation from China along with NAC and UK Government representatives.

The much-maligned building on the Ardeer Peninsula has lay vacant since it closed for good in 2003 - with most of the original exhibits still inside.

In April 2015, the Times told how NPL Estates - who own the Big Idea - insisted that a takeover deal was close.

The company remain tight-lipped over a year later but have refused to deny any reports of an impending takeover.

North Ayrshire Council previously said they hope to share “firm proposals” later this year.

A source close to the site at Ardeer said: “There was a large delegation from China along with a UK Government minister that visited the site.

“Karen Yeomans and the now-ex Provost were involved so it certainly wasn’t a one off.

“There could be a new masterplan put forward and there might be a lot of dealing going on in the background.”

Many Irvine residents have yearned for the Big Idea to be re-introduced as a music venue. But those hopes could be dashed with NPL’s masterplan for the site heavily featuring plans for a power station.

The Times approached the UK Government for a comment but they did not respond.