The deal is the fourth of four new innovative housing projects currently being developed with hub South West in partnership with the local authority.

Both parties have signed-off on a £12.43m social housing contract with Graham Construction to build the new St Michael’s Wynd community of 79 new homes in Kilwinning. Through hub South West’s unique and innovative approach North Ayrshire’s investment in this development is expected to lead to a host of economic activity which, in turn, will secure additional social value in the area.

The bespoke initiative, designed by architects NORR, has been developed with a focus on residents’ wellbeing with the creation of open space and safe streets supporting a community of energy efficient sheltered housing, wheelchair liveable and supported living homes.

The new neighbourhood will integrate with, and complement the amenities already provided, in the area as well as permitting new connections through the existing communities to the wider Kilwinning urban environment, town centre, and the Garnock river.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for Green New Deal & sustainability, said: “This is another exciting development in North Ayrshire where we have committed to building 1,575 new council homes.

“The development at St Michael’s Wynd is an integral part of our transformational ambitions for our communities, helping to drive the regeneration of our towns and securing new and existing jobs and training opportunities for North Ayrshire businesses and residents.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West, said: “We are delighted to be continuing to work in Partnership with North Ayrshire Council (NAC) to support the development and delivery of its exciting and forward-thinking housing strategy.

“The hub South West model recognises and complements NAC’s objectives of delivering best value and genuine social impact through investment in such projects, thereby ensuring a legacy far beyond the new community we are developing.

“This project will bring much-needed, high-quality accommodation to the people of Kilwinning and North Ayrshire and we trust the end result will represent a development of which we will all be proud.”

Craig Bridges, Graham Construction’s strategic business director, said: “We are pleased to be working once again with the team at hub South West on behalf of North Ayrshire Council and are looking forward to getting work under way later this year.

“As ever, our aim is to deliver this project on time, on budget and to the high standards specified in the contract.”

Work will get under way on the development in autumn/winter 2020 and is expected to be complete by spring 2022.