Huge regeneration hopes to breathe new life into former Big Idea building

The long-neglected Big Idea building could finally be restored as part of an ambitious new development.Dubbed ‘Advantage Ayrshire – the Ardeer 2030 Vision’, plans have been unveiled to regenerate Ardeer and Irvine Harbour.And it could include a long-sought future for the former Big Idea, which closed its doors in 2003, as a ‘white space centre’ for creativity.New housing, film studios, a cycling haven and innovation centres are just some of the ideas being put forward for the site. Ayrshire Creative Corridor, a not-for-profit organisation, are the company behind the proposals and want to bring new investment and employment to the areas.The proposals would see the derelict building used as a creative hub for networking, business development and other uses.As the name suggests, Ardeer 2030 aims to have a series of developments and regeneration work completed in the area by that touted year.The group have spent the last two years working on a model for the development and have several regeneration experts on board including regeneration entrepreneur David Scougall, former South Ayrshire Council planning chief Bruce Collier, and ex-regeneration planner Bill Borland.