THE events expert who masterminded the acclaimed airshow in Ayr for five years has taken charge of an ambitious project aimed at regenerating Irvine town centre.
Danny Anderson has been appointed chair of the town's Neighbourhood Board and the Irvine man has set his sights on helping to transform the area.
The Regeneration Plan for Irvine was submitted to the UK Government in November and approved by in December.
The plan includes a 10-year vision document and a four-year investment plan developed through a process of ongoing public consultation and engagement, including online surveys, community outreach and public consultation events.
Confirmation was received of the UK Government’s strong endorsement of the plan in March.
Danny said: “I got this job by applying. A number of applicants were interviewed by a panel and I was selected and offered the position.
"A number of my friends suggested I consider it and made me aware of the board, its work and that it has some funding to improve Irvine over the next 10 years.
“Currently I am a freelance events consultant and sound engineer and am semi-retired, but still travel the UK and internationally mixing sound for concerts of all sizes.
“I still work on a number of events and I am also a trustee on the board of Freckfest, the Irvine based charity that works to promote mainly music events in Irvine and across Ayrshire.”
Asked about his aims, Danny said: “My objective in this new role is to help the team improve Irvine and make it a better place to live, work, visit, bring a business of any size to, learn and experience great events and festivals.
“I also want to Irvine become a more beautiful place and my ambitions would be to see our high street to the harbour area become a busy vibrant town centre with successful businesses – shops, entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, visitor attractions and regular events."
He added: “I would like to see Irvine become cleaner, safer and busier.
"We should do more to support and improve our existing fixed visitor attractions, facilities and festivals, such as the Scottish Maritime Museum, The Beach Park, Freckfest and the Marymass Festival as well as developing new facilities, events and festivals that will bring visitors into Irvine.
“More visitors and greater tourism in general does generate jobs and incoming spend in itself but additionally businesses looking for a place to expand and develop want to set up in an area where their workforce will be happy and enjoy life.
“The Irvine Neighbourhood Board Team has already done some great work with Bill Nolan as chair over the last year. I am very honoured to be given this role, but I am under no illusions – it will indeed be a job of work as well as a labour of love.
"If I can be part of making Irvine a better place, I will be very happy.”
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