Work on the new Gallowgate Square is projected to start within the next month, North Ayrshire Council have confirmed.
It is part of a new Largs masterplan of improvements which have been lined up for the town centre after a public consultation earlier this year.
The original design gained various reasons, and had proved controversial earlier this year, but the designs have been scaled back, with the council responding to the public view that rather than cosmetic changes, they would prefer to see prom resurfacing as a priority.
Improvements to Gallowgate Square will help create a flexible event space, which could host small concerts, farmers’ markets etc, in addition to resurfacing work to the North Promenade and refurbishment of the two existing shelters
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Caley Construction have been appointed to undertake the refurbishment of two shelters along the prom as well as the improvements works in Gallowgate Square, with work getting underway within the next month.
“The improvements to Gallowgate Square will help create a flexible event space, which could host small concerts, farmers’ markets etc, and will help make a huge difference to the heart of Largs.
“The programme should see the shelters completed before Christmas with Gallowgate Square project scheduled for completion for the New Year.”
The resurfacing of the promenade - from ferry terminal to RNLI building – is expected to be on-site within the next month.
The long awaited improvements will see an investment of £566,000 made across Gallowgate Square, Aubrey Park and the North Promenade.
The controversial original design scheme which included a shelter design at Aubery likened to ‘Sydney Opera House’ was shelved.
During a recent Towns Partnership meeting, local businesswoman Toni Dawson had expressed frustration about the lack of progress regarding improvements to Gallowgate Square, but Cllr. Alex Gallagher, who is economy chair at North Ayrshire Council, provided reassurances that the work would be getting underway soon.
Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economies, said: “The event space in Gallowgate Square opens up a range of opportunities and could bring in some fantastic entertainment to the town. The work on the shelters will also make a marked improvement, while the resurfacing works will be welcomed by everyone, whether it’s cyclists, families or dog walkers, that use the promenade.
“We are all looking forward to the works getting started now.”