The group behind ambitious plans for West Kilbride’s Kirktonhall have welcomed North Ayrshire Council’s decision to continue supporting them as preferred bidders.

The Kirktonhall Media Group has been developing its plans to transform the historic, but dilapidated, building in the village centre. Central to the proposals is a innovative ‘hub’ approach which will bring together various digital media and technology for businesses and the wider community.

Last week the council’s cabinet agreed to give the group more time to await the outcome of its funding applications.

The category B-listed building is currently owned by North Ayrshire Council but has been vacant and surplus to requirement since 2008.

The Kirktonhall Creative Media Group - a charity and social enterprise - is hoping to restore it and transform it into a digital media and commercial business centre and has applied for funding to make this happen.

The proposed creative media centre aims to bring together creative people working in the digital media sector including film, music, ICT, web based technologies and digital design.

Its facilities will include a computer raining suite, music recording and rehearsal facilities, and a video suite for making and editing films.

It also aims to become a registered training centre which will provide certified learning and apprenticeship opportunities for young people and adults.

In addition, the centre proposes to create a supportive environment for creative digital businesses to grow and make digital and computer power available to small businesses and individuals who can’t afford them.

It will also provide training in ICT and aims to secure a viable future for Kirktonhall and encourage cultural tourism.

The Kirktonhall Creative Media Group is expected to find out if they have been successful with their funding application at the end of the financial year.

The cabinet will then make a decision on the building’s future.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said: “The Kirktonhall Creative Media Group is now in the final stage of discussions with potential funders after completing a business plan and finalising its plans for the proposed transformation of the building.

“The planned project aims to secure a viable future for the building, encourage business growth and provide training opportunities for residents.

“We have therefore agreed with the group to retain its preferred bidder status and await the outcome of its funding applications before Cabinet makes a final decision over the future of the building.” A spokesman for the group’s board of trustees told the News: “We are delighted that NAC Cabinet have continued to show this confidence in our group and in our business plan.

"We will continue to do our utmost to save Kirktonhall and provide a creative media centre for the people and businesses situated in West Kilbride and North Ayrshire.

“We would encourage people to go onto our website, check out these plans and become a member. There is no financial commitment.

"However, they can help bolster an already strong case to funders by adding to the continuously increasing level of local support. It’s not only saving a historical building, it’s creating a community asset for the benefit of all."