Plans to transform a former women's clothing shop into a two-storey restaurant and gym could breathe new life into Irvine town centre.
Sava Estates have unveiled an ambitious vision for the former Happit store in High Street in a planning application lodged with North Ayrshire Council.
They want to redevelop the long-vacant building to incorporate a restaurant over two floors at the front and a gym over two floors at the rear.
Sava say their proposal will ensure the property is 'recycled for the common good' by providing a venue to wine and dine as well as a quality gymnasium in a central location.
Documents lodged with the local authority show the main restaurant would occupy the ground floor with a function room upstairs.
The gym would feature class/fitness rooms and changing/locker facilities on the ground floor with a range of training/fitness equipment on the upper floor.
A supporting statement issued as part of Sava's application says: "The property at 124 High Street is a two storey flat roofed property of little architectural merit.
"While the building has a ground and upper floor it is curious in that there is a two storey section at the front with a single storey connecting to another two storey structure at the rear.
"The proposed development will ensure that the main frontage onto the High Street will contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of the centre while the gymnasium will ensure that a part of the building which might reasonably have been expected to remain vacant, will also be in productive use.
"The change of use of this vacant unit will introduce a new eating experience to the town and will help to animate this stretch of street, particularly in the evenings and winter months when the splay of light from the premises will help to enliven the street and along with the extra pedestrian activity, deliver a sense of safety, security and well being.
"As has been demonstrated, this new development will contribute to the sense of place, in providing a venue to wine and dine, to meet and to foster community spirit, as well as a centrally located quality gymnasium, ensuring that the entire property is recycled for the common good."
It proposed that access to the restaurant will be from the existing doorway direct off of High Street, while the gymnasium will be accessible from the rear parking yard.
It is anticipated that the opening hours will be Sunday to Thursday 10am-11pm and Friday and Saturday 10am to midnight.
Planners will rule on the matter in due course.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
