THE Big Idea moved one step closer to revival this week, the Irvine Times can exclusively reveal.

The building’s owners, NPL Estates, have confirmed that plans are in the works to finally make use of the former museum.

In a report last week, the Times charted the rise and demise of the Big Idea – 15 years on from its grand opening in April 2000.

But after three turgid years, the doomed venture closed in 2003 and the doors have remained locked ever since.

NPL Estates gained ownership of the site in 2007 after purchasing the Irvine Harbour Company.

The Glasgow-based company initially put forward plans to transform the site into a golf course and marina.

However, the plans collapsed and since then the building’s future has been unclear.

But this week, bosses at NPL Estates insisted new plans are afoot to bring the building back into use.

Although the company remain tight-lipped about the new proposals, they insist an announcement will be made “this year”.

Speaking exclusively to the Times this week, Alex Dornan, Projects Manager at NPL Estates said: “We initially took over the ICI estate an eventually the Irvine Harbour Company with a view to taking over and maintaining the Big Idea.

“But then we ran into difficulties and the proposals put forward, like a bigger marina and a golf course, died in 2007.

“I can tell you that there will be an announcement this year. It’s unfortunate that I cannot say any more than that.

“We have been actively seeking to create a use for the building and the site ever since we took over.

“We absolutely believe there is a future for the site.”