HALO deal has potential to spark bigger growth
The team behind ambitious proposals to transform the Ayrshire economy say they have made a “significant step forward” in their plans.
It follows a £ 5.3million investment from the Scottish Government into Kilmarnock’s HALO Regeneration Project.
And that, on the back of £ 3.5million pledged earlier this by year the UK Government, has the East Ayrshire project leading the way.
Bosses say the scheme is the “cornerstone” of the Ayrshire Growth Deal to target over £ 350million of funding from the Scottish and UK governments to develop a number of projects across the region.
The redevelopment of Kilmarnock’s Johnnie Walker bottling plant was the latest to receive a boost last week.
The £ 25 million first phase redevelopment – which is also being backed by funding from East Ayrshire Council, the private sector and Diageo – is now ready to take shape.
It will include a low carbon development, affordable housing and boast an enterprise and innovation hub for business startups, a renewable energy centre and commercial and leisure units.
Business chief Marie Macklin, of The HALO, said: “I’m thrilled that both the Scottish and UK Governments are supporting The HALO Kilmarnock in this way and I hope that this is repeated across the other projects in the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
“We have worked hard to bring these politicians along with us and to ensure that they fully appreciate the extent of the benefits that this community- led urban regeneration project will bring, not just to Kilmarnock, but to Ayrshire as a whole and to Scotland.”
Council leaders from North, East and South have united to back the Growth Deal.
East Ayrshire leader, Douglas Reid, said: “This is fantastic news for Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire and the wider Ayrshire community.
“It represents a huge step forward for the Growth Deal as a whole as this amazing initiative will complete the regeneration of one of the biggest brown sites in Scotland to date.
“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised the potential economic and community benefits the Halo project will bring to the area in terms of job creation, town centre living, increased leisure amenities and environmental improvements.
“The funding announcement by the Scottish Government, together with East Ayrshire Council’s own £ 2m contribution and the £ 3.5m announced earlier this month by the UK Government means that, staring with the £ 25m Phase 1, this project can become a reality.”