MOVES to restore Millport Town Hall have taken a major step forward - after the project won £100,000 of funding from councillors.

The hall, which was built in 1878 was once the centre of island community life, but has been closed since falling into a state of complete disrepair.

A recently formed voluntary group, Friends of Millport Town Hall came together to mastermind a community regeneration project with a goal of running it for the community.

Their dream moved a step closer this week after the North Coast Locality Partnership - made up of local councillors - agreed to award £100,000 to the project, pending successful completion of the community asset transfer procedure and the group securing other funding streams.

The move will be rubber-stamped at the next full North Ayrshire Council meeting at Cunninghame House in Irvine.

Chair of the Locality Planning Partnership, Cllr. Alex Gallagher said: "The Save Millport Town Hall group have produced a very comprehensive plan and a lot of very professional work has gone into the project.

"It needs to be viable before the £100,000 is released, and we will look at changing the £100,000 limit as we moved forward to see if we can possibly give them more money as the project takes shape."

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "I have been very impressed by the project.

"An immense amount of work has gone into it, and I am delighted to support it."

Once restored and redeveloped, the plan is for the building to become a community hub, providing concert and performance space, as well as hosting weddings, conferences and community celebrations.

Angie McCallum who has been leading the community drive, said: "Most excitingly, the community hub space would also incorporate a heritage centre and multi-purpose rooms to support activities and the community.

"This would be underpinned by three new flats for holiday lets."

Plans are also in place to include an on-site caretaker and development officer for the hall.

Angie added: "The project will be fully inclusive, fair for all, the economy of the island will be boosted and we will raise Millport's profile as a tourist destination.

"The community will be made stronger and more cohesive. There will be employment, skills training and volunteering opportunities."

All residents will be entitled to free membership and there will also be junior and associate membership.

Angie added: "The building will create employment and support and develop the local tourist industry which is essential for the island community. Crucially it will enhance the quality of life for the residents though its focus on inequalities."

Built in 1878, the existing town hall is not listed, despite being set within a conservation area, and is owned by the Common Good.

It has been closed for several years but was regularly used by local groups and hosted various community groups and fundraising events for a number of local causes.