Council chiefs say there will be minimal disruption during 18-month long regeneration work in Irvine town centre.

The council said that while there will be limited road closures during the 18-month period the town centre will be open to the public throughout.

They say they will also be liaising with businesses and residents ahead of the major works expected to begin in the new year.

As previously reported, NAC hope to improve the roads and pavements by 2019 and council chiefs say the works aim to respect the historic town centre environment while also providing attractive public realm areas.

This is to complement the recent transformation of Bridgegate, Townhouse and Portal by creating a more attractive and accessible town centre.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The town centre will be open throughout and there will be limited road closures during the works.

“Before work begins, we will liaise with local businesses, taxi drivers and residents to discuss our plans and work out a phased approach which will minimise disruption as much as possible.

“There are also plans for a retailers forum to be established which it is hoped will allow them to hold monthly meetings with the contractor.

“We will have a clearer picture when a contractor is appointed but we believe it will take approximately 18 months. We hope that work will begin early next year.”

Key aims of the £3.4 million project include supporting the economic vitality of the town centre, create more pedestrian space, facilitate easier pedestrian movement, improve way-finding, decrease sense of traffic dominance, support and encourage use of public transport, improve air quality, improve setting and appreciation of Irvine’s architectural heritage and to incorporate references to Irvine’s cultural heritage.

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “These £3.4 million works will help to improve the overall attractiveness and accessibility of the busy town centre while ensuring the important history of the area is respected.

“With the recent investments and ongoing works being undertaken in Irvine, it’s clear that the town is at an exciting time in its economic evolution.”