Cunninghame Housing Association, working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, has completed the regeneration of Vineburgh in Irvine.

The £33.3 million new build development initiative, delivered over four phases, has provided a total of 287 new homes.

The four completed phases have been delivered in close collaboration with the local community through a number of open days, consultation events and steering groups, allowing the design proposals to reflect the views and aspirations of those living in and around the area.

Sustainable design has also been a key consideration with high levels of insulation and a high performance specification combining to deliver a quality final end product.

An official ceremony took place last week to formally mark the overall completion of the regeneration project and was attended by Alex Neill MSP, cabinet secretary for social justice, communities and pensioner’s rights.

Completion of the final phase has ensured that the blue print set out within North Ayrshire Council’s original Masterplan for the area has been achieved through the provision of high quality homes within a significantly enhanced environment and a safer and more secure community.

Frank Sweeney, chief executive of Cunninghame Housing Association, said: “Phase One of the Vineburgh Regeneration Masterplan commenced on site in 2009 and here we are some 6 years later, gathered to mark the completion of this ground breaking initiative. In terms of social value added both to the community and the local economy a total of 22 apprentices/trainees worked on the four phases of the project.

“We have recently completed a final Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation, which evidences the considerable impact of the initiative on the health and wellbeing of the returning tenants, residents and the wider community and local stakeholders.

“This analysis, which has been independently assured by Social Value UK, shows that the ratio of return for every £1 invested in Vineburgh is £4.63. This is what regeneration is all about.”

Leader of North Ayrshire Council, Cllr Willie Gibson, said: “On 27th June 2007 North Ayrshire Council formally adopted the Vineburgh Regeneration Masterplan which detailed the vision for the new Vineburgh. This Plan included the demolition of 306 properties and their replacement by 287 new build properties (256 for affordable rent and 31 shared equity homes).

“Today marks the official completion of the Masterplan by the three partners: North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame Housing Association and the Scottish Government.

“This project like many in North Ayrshire has achieved a number of firsts, namely: development of the first Homezone Street in North Ayrshire and secondly, the first Social Return on Investment analysis in the UK of a regeneration initiative.

“The council is delighted that the cabinet secretary is able to officially close this extremely successful flagship project.”

Social justice secretary Alex Neil added: “The regeneration of Vineburgh is breathing new life into the area, creating jobs and opportunities for Irvine.

“Regeneration is about people and places, creating communities we can be proud of, where people want to live, work and invest in. That is why the Scottish Government has contributed £15.4m towards the regeneration of Vineburgh.

“The local community, Cunninghame Housing Association and North Ayrshire Council have worked tirelessly to reach this landmark, delivering a total of 287 new, affordable homes for local families and individuals.

“It is heartening to hear that following the redevelopment there is now a healthy waiting list of people wanting to move into the area, rather than trying to leave. A total of 105 tenants returned to the area and their rehousing has gone smoothly.”

@CunninghameHA