The Repurposing Property Grant Fund was created last year by North Ayrshire Council to help support landowners and community groups to bring back vacant land and properties to use.

The first funding round is currently supporting a wide range of feasibility works across North Ayrshire. The final deadline for applications is July 29, with applications being reviewed by the project team on receipt.

Any landowner or group wishing to express their interest should e-mail regeneration@north-ayrshire.gov.uk for more information.

North Ayrshire has around 250 sites and buildings that are characterised as being derelict and vacant. While funding has been secured from a range of sources including the Scottish Government to support regeneration, it was recognised that more could be done. It was felt that the fund would open dialogue and discussion to generate ideas and opportunities for vacant sites and buildings.

The Fund is worth £200,000. This will allow landowners or community groups to carry out feasibility studies and associated business cases to identify potential options for the sites and their viability.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for economy and climate change, said: “We know this fund has proved popular and allowed landowners and community groups to explore the potential for regenerating sites.

“Derelict areas are a blight on our communities and it is vital we take every opportunity to try and find ways to regenerate them for the owners and also the wider community.”

A maximum of £10,000 is available for sites under 0.1 hectare and a maximum of £25,000 for larger sites.

The £200,000 fund includes a £110,000 contribution from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust – a grant programme to enable voluntary, community and social enterprises in North Ayrshire to explore new opportunities for these sites and improve long-term sustainability.

Stage 2 of the Fund aimed at supporting further development of projects is set to open later in the year.