North Ayrshire high flats housing plan “could bring 1,000 new jobs”

Proposals to transform North Ayrshire’s tower blocks transformed into modern low-rise housing could help trigger a major economic boost for the area with the creation of 1,000 new jobs, according to a new report.North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet last month agreed to move forward with a proposal to look into the future of Irvine’s five tower blocks and a further two in Saltcoats.A comprehensive six-week consultation got underway with residents last week to discover their views of the various proposals for the high flats.One option would see the tower blocks upgraded with sprinklers installed, while another considers the possibility of removing the tower blocks and building modern, energy-efficient homes on the sites. A third option would see new houses on the Irvine site and the retention of the Saltcoats tower blocks.A report for the council suggests that the demolition of the tower blocks and construction of 369 new properties to replace them could create approximately 1,000 new jobs and give North Ayrshire’s economy a shot in the arm.