The 'News' can exclusively reveal the new look leisure centre and community hall design earmarked for Millport.

Last year, we spoke to Michael Bertram, CEO of the Cumbrae Community Development Company, who explained that a new function hall with gym, and possibility a swimming pool, could be set for the Garrison grounds.

The state of the art building will be sunken into the ground to the rear of the Garrison grounds, and would also have direct entry access via Bute Terrace, just along from the primary school.

Speaking to the 'News', Mr Bertram stated that they were exciting plans, which would be submitted to the community via a consultation in the coming months.

Mr Bertram had suggested that with a number of old buildings in Millport now out of commission such as the Town Hall, CCDC was leading the way at looking at bringing a modern purpose built building to the island.

With the DA Hall also out of commission for a three week period due to the discovery of asbestos in the building, Mr Bertram said it was clear that it was time to look at new build on Millport for major functions and events.

The building would include a function hall and a gym, and CCDC said they would also be surveying the community to determine the interest in providing a pool on the island, and whether it would have advantages with Cumbrae Watersports Centre also being based on the island.

Funding for the new project is currently being sought with a number of options available including Community Shares Scotland who have already helped raise vast amounts for other communities in Scotland.

The development would also have provision for live music and entertainment, and with the Country Music Festival moving to the Garrison grounds later this year, with its main stage at the former pitch and putt site, it could have many benefits in future years for island festivals.

This plan has been a year in the making, and the masterplan is just being finalised with North Ayrshire Council who are providing a study.

A business plan and funding model is currently being developed with the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations who have assisted with another entity called Just Enterprise.

CCDC have been working with North Ayrshire Council who have helped assist with the business plan study.

The overall project has been estimated to cost £6m, and the new Community Shares Scotland project allows the public to buy shares to invest in the future of the island.

In collaboration with Community Shares Scotland a community share offer would provide all who love the island the opportunity to purchase community shares.