THE redevelopment of a landmark former bar and restaurant in Irvine has reached the next stage.

The King's Arms Hotel closed to the public in 2015 and lay derelict in the years that followed, becoming an eyesore on the town's High Street.

The run-down C-listed building was then bought by North Ayrshire Council (NAC) in 2020 with proposals revealed two years later to "secure the future" of the old venue.

It was announced in 2022 that the former hotel would be transformed into six affordable one and two bedroom homes thanks to the funding boost.

Demolishing works have taken place since but work on converting the building into the flats has yet to get more visibly under way.

However, after the Irvine Community Council questioned NAC on the progress of the project, an update has been provided.

The community council was informed that main construction contractor has now been appointed for the works which are set to be "commencing soon".

Ahead of the creation of the six new amenity homes, an opportunity is also to be provided for those interested to 'meet the builder'.

This will take place on Tuesday, April 30, between 4pm and 6pm, at the Volunteer Rooms.

Those interested can book a place at the event, or request further information or assistance, by contacting the North Ayrshire Council affordable housing team on 01294 324031 or emailing developmentandstrategy@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Irvine Times: The West Road lower car park will be closed for a year from the end of this monthThe West Road lower car park will be closed for a year from the end of this month (Image: Google Street View)

The public are also being advised that due to the works taking place soon, the West Road Lower car park (above) and associated footways will be closed from April 29, 2024, until April 30, 2025.

This is to allow the car park to be used as site compound for construction works.

This means that the pedestrian access between West Road and High Street will be closed off for a significant period.

A temporary pedestrian diversion will be in place which will also be signposted.

A community council spokesperson said: "It was great to hear that redevelopment is commencing soon as the derelict building has been cause for concern for many residents for some time now."