COUNCIL chiefs are exploring a takeover bid to bring the crumbling King’s Arms building back to life – the Times can reveal.

North Ayrshire Council confirmed it was exploring developing the former King’s Arms as part of the ongoing regeneration of Irvine town centre.

And Provost and Irvine West Cllr Ian Clarkson said they would ensure the building was well looked after.

Irvine Times:

The pub has lay vacant since it was closed in 2015 with 30 members of staff losing their jobs.

The Times was told the local authority were looking into taking over the vacant C Listed building – with the former pub most likely to be utilised for housing.

This comes after the town’s community councillors previously raised the alarm on the state of the building back in 2018 while North Ayrshire Council regenerates the surrounding High Street.

Updating Irvine Community Council last week, NAC officer Anne-Marie Hunter said: “North Ayrshire Council are looking at options for the building, particularly feasibility. They are in discussion with the owners and building control are also in touch with owners with any safety issues.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are keen to regenerate the town centre and always looking at ways we can complement the extensive work carried out already.

“We have had positive discussions with the building owner and are currently exploring the feasibility of developing the site.”

Irvine West Cllr Ian Clarkson said: “I am pleased that we, as a council are carrying out a study to see if the building could be used.

"We are always looking at ways to bring more people, and jobs, into the Town Centre, and this could allow us to do that.

“There is also the physical look of the building, and we would ensure it was well looked after. The feasibility study will show if any of this is possible.”