DEMOLITION work has begun at the fire-damaged former Forum Shopping Centre in Irvine.
North Ayrshire Council confirmed that work is under way following last week's blaze which devastated the Bridgegate building.
The fire, which is being treated as deliberate by Police Scotland, took hold late on the evening of Monday, February 2 and burned into the early hours of the following day.
The fire started from within the Forum Centre, resulting in the roof and steel frame collapsing.
The council says the damage and subsequent risk to public safety have forced immediate action from the local authority.
Although the affected buildings are in private ownership, the council is leading the recovery effort, with works expected to take around six weeks to complete.
As a result, roads and walkways adjacent to the building will be closed, as well as the two car parks on West Road, between Mure Church and Low Green Road.
More: Irvine fire at ex-Forum building being treated as 'wilful'
In recent years, North Ayrshire Council has made efforts to contact owners of properties around the area in a bid to aid redevelopment.
However, no response was received.
Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “Our immediate priority is public safety, and we have moved quickly to secure the building and surrounding area.
“Although this fire began within a privately-owned part of the Forum Centre, we are stepping in to ensure our residents are protected and that recovery work can move forward without delay.
“The finance and insurance matters will be pursued in due course by the council.
"However, for now, the focus of council efforts will be directed towards public safety and commencing demolition works, so that the streets and pathways can be reopened as soon as possible."
The council says it is looking at ways to mitigate the access restrictions for businesses impacted by impending closures so they can continue to operate as normally as possible.
However, it is stated that there will be unavoidable disruption to pedestrians during the recovery period, with limited or no access to the area.
The authority says that its business support and development team will work with the Irvine Celtic Supporters’ Club, which owns and occupies the floor directly below where the fire started, to assist with alternative property relocation options whilst the future of their part of the building is determined.
Assistance and advice may be available to any other business affected by the recovery works, who are being asked to contact the council in the first instance.
Police previously confirmed that the fire is being treated as "wilful", and enquiries are ongoing.
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