THE completion of demolition work at the fire-damaged former Forum Centre has been delayed.
North Ayrshire Council says that poor weather conditions in recent weeks has slowed progress on the project.
The authority commenced work at the Bridgegate building in early February in light of the devastating damage caused by a blaze which took hold one week prior.
The fire started from within the Forum Centre, resulting in the roof and steel frame collapsing.
Despite not owning the property, the council said the damage and subsequent risk to public safety forced immediate action from the local authority.
This was due to take place over the course of six weeks, which will have lapsed on Monday, March 23.
However, this will no longer be the case with demolition to continue for the time being amid "unavoidable delays".
This is a complex and delicate operation due to the severe fire damage, particularly the twisted and melted steelwork," a North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said. "These sections must be removed manually and with great precision.
“To do this safely, workers using cutting equipment are suspended in a specially-designed platform attached to one of the two on-site cranes. The second crane provides stability by securely supporting the steel sections while they are removed.
“For safety reasons, crane operations must stop when wind speeds exceed strict limits, which has resulted in some unavoidable delays. Despite this, work is being progressed as quickly as conditions safely allow."
A number of associated road closures, including that of the two public car parks on West Road, are also to remain in place during this time.
A council spokesperson added: “Road restrictions will be removed once crane operations are complete and our building standards team confirms that the risk posed by the damaged structure has been reduced or removed.
“We appreciate that the road closure is disruptive for residents, businesses and visitors, and we thank everyone for their patience. These precautions are essential to ensure the area can be made safe and without compromising public safety.
“Although the damaged buildings are privately owned, the council has a statutory obligation to make the area safe. We also recognise the importance of this site to the wider regeneration of Irvine town centre and have taken the lead in coordinating the recovery effort.”
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