Provost Ian Clarkson joined local councillors and officers from North Ayrshire Council to celebrate the progress of the £4.5 million housing project on the site of the former Fencedyke Primary School.

The works will see 34 high quality, affordable homes erected for North Ayrshire’s residents comprising 23 general needs homes, nine amenity homes that promote independent living for the older population and two wheelchair accessible homes catering for families with specific needs.

Provost Ian Clarkson marked the occasion on Friday and said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the work being undertaken at this fantastic development. Not only will it provide desirable social housing, but it will also help enhance the local community.

“I look forward to seeing how the development progresses and marking its next major milestone – its official opening.”

The works are expected to be completed in spring 2017. It’s hoped that on completion, the development will achieve Eco Homes ‘Very Good’ rating – demonstrating the council’s commitment to providing housing that is sustainable for both current and future generations.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for place, said: “The Fencedyke housing development demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing high quality, fit-for-purpose affordable homes for our local communities.

“We recognise that Irvine is an area which has a need for more affordable housing and this development, teamed with our recent investments in John Galt and Dickson Way, shows that we are making real inroads to addressing this.”