Latest moves in the plan to transform Irvine's harbourside have been revealed.

A progress report on the Great Harbour Masterplan project - which forms a key part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal - was delivered to the Ayrshire Economic Partnership Board.

The Great Harbour plan proposes the creation of three ‘hubs’ on a ‘Maritime Mile’, running from Irvine railway station right along the Harbourside.

It includes a 'coastal hub', with a major new play facility at the Beach Park and improved outdoor facilities - alongside longer term plans for the landmark Pilot House and a café/restaurant facility.

The second hub combines a marina with a focus on arts, events and food and features a new waterfront plaza.

This proposal is to help to support events and give better access to the marina, along with additional food offerings to make the area even more of a destination for its visitors, and including the redevelopment of the Harbourmaster’s House.

The plans also detail a 'maritime heritage hub', which aims to create expanded facilities for the Scottish Maritime Museum.

According to the latest update, consultants have now been appointed to progress to the next stage of design for the 'coastal hub' project.

The recent focus of this part of the plan has been on site investigations, location of utilities and events requirements, which may influence the layout.

At the existing Beach Pavilion, there have been temporary roof repairs

A market feasibility study is also running to establish the viability of a 're-development model' for the community hub, restaurant and Maritime Mile.

Preparations to appoint the consultant for the next development phases are progressing.

Early work funded by the Sustrans charity on possible active travel options for the Maritime Mile is also ongoing.

For the maritime heritage hub, an updated land-based development option has been agreed with the Scottish Maritime Museum.

It was also revealed that work on the new 'digital processing manufacturing centre' at the i3 site on the eastern edge of the town is on track, with work expected to be completed by July 2027.

John Lamont MP, under-secretary of state for Scotland, visited the site of the plant in August.

The latest bi-annual report on the Ayrshire Growth Dealis now being completed and submitted to the Scottish and UK governments.

This report is a government requirement and provides a spend projection for the programme and individual projects.

However, the report warns of a 'significant drop' in the potential funds available to be drawn down for projects during the 2023-24 financial year because of the current state of the national economy.