Details of a new project to help restore traditional and historic buildings in the Kilbirnie Conservation Area are to be unveiled.

North Ayrshire Council has been awarded £500k from Historic Scotland's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) and this will be matched by the local authority, to support the regeneration programme.

The Walker Hall and the Knox Institute have already been identified as priority projects for the scheme.

The remaining funding will form a small grant scheme for owners, landlords or tenants of flats, houses and commercial properties, and will invite bids for up to 95% of the costs of projects that will restore and reinstate traditional external features to buildings within the Conservation Area.


Commenting on the scheme, North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Councillor John Bruce said: "I am delighted that we are rolling out the CARS scheme across the Kilbirnie Conservation Area, which will help restore a number of buildings of historic significance, as part of our commitment to breathing new life into our town centres.

"Regeneration is key to ensuring sustainable development, economic growth, training and job creation for those who live and work in our local communities and I would encourage anyone who is eligible for the small grants fund to apply."

Details of the scheme will be revealed at a public event at the Walker Memorial Hall, Kilbirnie, on Tuesday 4 June at 4.30pm.

(JP/IT)