Progress finally made on Ardrossan harbour works
The redevelopment of Ardrossan harbour has at last taken a significant step forward but it will be another three years before the works are complete.
It also means that the Arran ferry will spend two years, if not longer, operating from Troon, as previously predicted by the Banner.
North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet has approved an agreement which will trigger the beginning of the procurement process for the multi-million pound redevelopment.
An agreement with North Ayrshire Council and Ardrossan Harbour Company
Limited (AHCL) will see the first signs of tangible progress on the Ardrossan harbour project which is estimated to be completed in 2026.
The project will see the realignment of the Arran berth to accommodate the MV Glen Sannox together with a new ferry terminal, parking and marshalling improvements and other harbour works.
The agreement will enable Peel Ports Group to start the procurement process to secure contractors to undertake the proposed improvement works which were first mooted by then transport secretary Hamza Yousaf six years ago.
The Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce said in April that the construction phase will start in the spring of 2024 and should be completed by the spring of 2026.
This means that the Arran ferry service will divert to Troon for two years from next spring, six months longer than originally planned.
Speaking about the agreement Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy at North Ayrshire Council, said: “This is a critical part of the journey towards seeing the transformation of Ardrossan harbour.
“This will kickstart the process of obtaining tenders for the project, before agreeing funding and contracts for both the design and build of the landside and marine works, including a new terminal building, berth and access arrangements.
“The redevelopment of the harbour forms a key part of our wider ambitions for Ardrossan, including the proposals for the new community campus.
“I’m delighted that we have now reached the stage where we can start to see tangible progress being made towards creating a modern, accessible and welcoming harbour, providing added resilience for the crossing to Arran.”
The project is being led through an Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce, co-ordinated by Transport Scotland and with North Ayrshire Council, Peel Ports Group, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries Ltd (CalMac), and the Arran Ferry Committee.