Irvine: Exciting plans submitted for former M&Co store

Proposals have been brought to North Ayrshire Council to change the use of the old Bridgegate shop, which closed its doors in 2023 when the clothing retailer collapsed.

An application submitted to the planning authority seeking a 'change of use' of the premises makes mention of the introduction of a ten pin bowling alley, a golf simulator, a karaoke room, a snooker/pool hall, and a public bar with external seating.

Proposals details that the function areas would be located at the rear of the premises, and the pool/snooker club would be upstairs, and the public bar would take up the front part of the venue.

In background documents the applicant, Rosemary Reid, says she hopes the venture will create between 10 and 15 full-time and part-time jobs if planning approval is secured.

The background documents also describe proposed opening hours of 10am to 10pm in all function areas, unless booked privately and arranged otherwise.

The application says private parking spaces will not be provided because of the unit's proximity to the large North Ayrshire Council car park on Kirkgate.

The proposal also says that the business would be "well located" within the town centre, with bus stops nearby on the High Street and and the railway station only a short walk away.

A supporting document lodged with the formal planning application states: "It will encourage footfall to the town centre and other local businesses will benefit, and in particular when the area is generally not busy, for example on a Sunday.

"The proposal will also bring into use a large, empty, building which will be upgraded and refurbished and possibly encourage other local businesses to occupy nearby empty properties."

The proposal is currently pending consideration by North Ayrshire Council's planning department.

These can be viewed in full via North Ayrshire Council's online planning portal, searching for reference 24/00430/PP.