Largs: Concerns grow over derelict building on seafront

Largs Community Council (LCC) heard this week that of increased frustration at the condition of the former Albert's Bar and Anaya's Restaurant premises - but members were also told there was "no chance" of a compulsory purchase order on the property.

North Coast independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "I have raised the safety of the building umpteen times with environmental health."

Member of the public Frank Alexander said: "The council are pursuing this five bedroom house in Kilbirnie to be demolished but we can't do anything regarding this derelict building.

"I don't understand why we cannot insist that that premises cannot be brought up to scratch."

Frank Alexander - calling for NAC to launch a compulsory purchase of mid section of building (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

Mr Alexander added: "I don't see why something can't be done by North Ayrshire Council."

Cllr Murdoch replied: "The answer I have been given is that the council cannot do anything about it.

"There is no chance of a compulsory purchase at this moment in time.

"A lot of people were saying that it didn't sell on a recent auction - but it was only Albert's Bar below that was for sale, it was only the ground level and the basement.

"The upstairs, Anaya's, part was owned by somebody else.

"It is never going to sell when you don't know who the owner is upstairs and there is no roof on it.

"That is a real problem as it lets the whole town down. I am trying as hard as I can to get something done and it is not going to be easy.

The former Indian Restaurant was a popular attraction for decades (Image: Newsquest)

"I have raised this matter continuously. I can't raise it any higher than the chief executive of North Ayrshire Council, in 2021, and again last Tuesday when he paid a visit to Largs."

Largs business owner Maria Tims has taken over the left-hand side of the building, the former Morris's Restaurant, and turned it into the award-winning Italian eatery Allegria.

But Ms Tims has also voiced concerns about the central section of the building, and told the News last year she had fears that it could collapse, such was its poor condition.

She urged North Ayrshire Council to take action over the adjacent unit.

The Helter Skelter part of the building, on the right hand side, was taken over several months ago by Gordon Craig, owner of the Tinto Tapas chain, which has premises in the town's Boyd Street.

Council planners gave the green light earlier this year to proposals for a new eatery at the Helter Skelter building, but work on the premises has yet to begin.

Talks have been taking place on a potential £200,000 being made available for young people's projects in Largs as a result of the sale of the former Helter Skelter teenage cafe of £100,000 which could subsequently be match-funded.