4th March 2022
THE ambitious proposals for Ardrossan Marina – which form part of wider £170 million regeneration plans for the town – have today moved a significant step forward.
North Ayrshire Council and partner Clyde Marina signed Heads of Terms to effectively formalise the financial and investment relationship between the partners.
The marina extension is a key part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal and the plans for a 150-berth extension a would be a huge boost for the region – increasing tourism, jobs and spend in central Ardrossan.
It would also be a catalyst for commercial and residential development on land beside the planned new Educational and Community Campus which is due to be built on the North Shore site.
An outline design has been developed and this suggests that a marina with the capacity for around another 150 berths is achievable. A design team will soon be appointed to develop the design further along with site investigations and the consents required. Agreement will also be required from partners such as Crown Estate Scotland and Peel Ports. It is envisaged that work could start in Autumn 2023.
Clyde Marina Ltd already have significant infrastructure in the town including boatyard, office, services and boat-lifting facilities.
Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “There is transformational change happening in Ardrossan and the overall package of works – taking in the school, new houses, coastal path, International Marine and Science Centre – for the town are the most ambitious this area has ever seen.
“It is great now to see plans starting to take shape and we will see real progress over the next few years.
“Our significant regeneration programme will establish Ardrossan as a major centre for lifelong learning and academic achievement, a tourism destination of choice, the gateway to Arran and the Clyde Islands and recognition as an exemplar in marine innovation and the blue economy
“We are delighted to be joining forces with Clyde Marina, who will fit-out and operate the marina. They already operate the existing marina, and its opening was hugely important for Ardrossan when it was developed.”
Funding for the investment in the marina has been secured from the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD, subject to the approval of a Business Case) and North Ayrshire Ventures Trust, with an application to Crown Estate Scotland approved at the first stage.
The existing marina was developed within the Eglinton basin at Ardrossan Harbour in 1996 by Clyde Marina Ltd, who have operated it since that time.
It currently provides 260 marina berths and over 300 boatyard spaces. Last year it reached capacity and saw record visitor numbers.
Simon Limb, Managing Director of Clyde Marina said: “We are delighted to enter agreement and continue working with North Ayrshire Council for the expansion of the marina in Ardrossan, continuing to be a focus for the regeneration and development of the town.
“We are supporters of “Giant Strides”, Scotland`s marine tourism strategy, working for the growth of the marine tourism sector and North Ayrshire`s marine and coastal economy.
“The south shore of the Clyde and the Ayrshire coastline is fundamental to Scotland`s recreational boating sector, supporting island and off-lying communities of the Clyde and a foundation for west coast cruising. We`re proud to be promoting Scotland`s world class marine environment, landscapes, seascapes and wildlife with sustainable marine tourism being a driver for the growth of coastal economies.”