NORTH Ayrshire Council has laid out opening plans for a new eagerly anticipated playpark at Irvine Harbourside.
The authority hopes to have the facility, named 'Sea Monster Park', opened by the end of the summer.
The park forms part of the wider Great Harbour regeneration project, a £14 million scheme funded through £9 million provided by the Scottish Government and the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
The council confirmed the intended opening timescales after members of Irvine Community Council raised the matter at a recent meeting.
The authority also looked to address concerns that toilet facilities may not be available upon opening.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The playpark is planned to open during the summer of 2026.
"Separate plans have been developed and costed for new toilet facilities.
“These are at an advanced stage now and although the work is being undertaken separately from the current phase one works of the original works planned, it is expected that the toilets will be operational at the time of the opening of the playpark.
“Future phases of the Maritime Mile proposals are the focus of the current stakeholder consultation and are progressing in line with the delivery time-scales set out for the completion of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.”
There are three main phases of work set out in the Great Harbour Masterplan.
With construction of the playpark nearing completion, North Ayrshire Council's attention is now switching to the next stage of regeneration.
Phase two will improve the layout and appearance of Harbour Street and Montgomery Street as well as connections between Irvine Railway Station and the Beach Park.
This part of the project is expected to be completed by next year.
The third phase aims to create a Maritime Heritage Hub.
This will see the council work in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum and Crown Estate Scotland to enhance and expand existing facilities around the Harbourside, including the Puffers Café area.
It is hoped that this will increase visitors and encourage increased participation in maritime heritage in the area.
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