AN eagerly anticipated play facility is set to open at Irvine Harbourside before the end of the summer, council bosses have confirmed this week.
North Ayrshire Council confirmed the news after members of Irvine Community Council asked questions about the facility at a recent meeting and were concerned it might not feature toilet facilities.
Members feared that the toilets might not be up and running when the facility opened.
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.”
Proposals for the Great Harbour programme, which is funded by £14 million investment through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, were first shared with the local community in 2023.
There are three main phases of works, as set out in the Great Harbour Masterplan. With construction already underway at the Beach Park, which includes a new play park called Sea Monster Park, North Ayrshire Council attention is now switching to the next stage of regeneration.
Phase Two will improve the layout and appearance of Harbour Street and Montgomery Street and connections between Irvine Railway Station and the Beach Park. Wok on this 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.
