Proposals to convert a former office building in Irvine’s Bank Street into housing are set to go ahead next year.

However plans to convert vacant buildings in Howgate, Kilwinning, which were also approved last June, will be put on hold to await a feasibility study.

Last Wednesday’s full council heard that £680,000 was allocated to the two projects following the approval a year ago.

The draft programme for 36 Bank Street will see Planning and Building Warrant applications start this year, alongside the tendering process.

It’s expected the project will go out to tender in early 2023 with construction taking place from mid 2023  for 12-18 months. Completion is expected in summer 2024.

An application has been submitted to the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme for £400,000 towards the Bank Street project which would enable it to be delivered to an enhanced energy standard.

The Feasibility for Howgate will conclude in August and it will:

Identify residential led redevelopment options for the site.

Establish whether a project is viable.

Assist in the development of other project documentation such as the business case, funding application, project execution plan and strategic brief.

Enable organisers to map development potential and consider any barriers to development.

The recommendations of the feasibility study will inform the council’s next steps and approach to the Howgate site.