Irvine i3 business park to benefit from Levelling Up funding

North Ayrshire Council has secured funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The money will be used to improve active travel connections to and within the i3 Business Park.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: "These are important works that will increase options for people to walk and cycle – and generally enjoy getting out and about.

"More and more people are cycling and walking in and around Irvine, and it is fantastic that we are able to use this funding to upgrade active travel routes linked to the i3 site."

The project will see upgrades to existing footways and the creation of new routes to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle to and around the business park.

Improvements will also extend the network of recreational paths to the south-east of Irvine, offering additional options for active travel and recreation.

Some paths within the business park have become overgrown, with vegetation including hedgerows, low-hanging branches, and trees making them difficult to use.

The council plans to address these issues by widening the paths, improving sightlines, and adding better lighting.

This work will require the removal of some trees and bushes.

Tree felling began last week on Long Drive and will start along the River Irvine path in the coming months.

Felling permission has been granted by Scottish Forestry where needed.

This permission is subject to conditions requiring the planting of new trees and shrubs nearby to compensate for those removed.

The council’s Tree and Woodland Management Policy and Tree Planting Strategy also guide the replacement and addition of native trees.

Their aim is to enhance local biodiversity and improve nature connectivity.

New planting will focus on native species suited to the local soils and environment.

This will improve the diversity, connectivity, and age range of the existing woodland within the business park.