Despite many of the projects being temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, work has continued in the background to ensure the delivery of more than 1,500 new homes and a range of other projects which will help regenerate local communities.

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet has approved its new five-year Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2021-2026.

The SHIP sets out the priorities and locations for affordable housing investment by the council and Registered Social Landlords in North Ayrshire and will see investment of approximately £152 million by the Council supported by projected Scottish Government grant funding of £87m.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for green new deal and sustainability, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us and the Council haven’t been immune to that.

“That meant a number of our projects, particularly construction of our new-build homes, was delayed but work never stopped behind the scenes and this new SHIP sets out our commitment to delivering the homes that people need in the places they want to live.

“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have learned important lessons and good practice which will help us deliver an even better service in the months and years ahead.

“We remain on track to deliver one of the most ambitious council house building programmes in the country, building 1,575 new homes in all parts of North Ayrshire with many homes already completed, under way or in the planning stage.”

During 2019/20, the council completed 31 new homes at Ardrossan Road, Seamill, and 24 homes at Dickson Drive, Irvine. The Dickson Drive project highlighted best practice in design and innovation and ensures benefits from sustainable technologies are maximised.

The council also completed 33 of the 49 units at Watt Court, Dalry, with the completion of the new Dalry Housing Office, a new sheltered housing complex with an integrated community hub and new amenity bungalows.

In addition, building work commenced on site for 258 units at Dalrymple Place, Irvine; Flatt Road, Largs; Brathwic Terrace, Arran; Towerlands, Irvine; and St. Beya Gardens, Cumbrae. Plans have also progressed for a further 193 units at Harbourside, Irvine; Springvale, Saltcoats; St. Michael’s Wynd, Kilwinning; and St. Colm’s Place, Largs; which are either currently on site or will commence on site soon.