The initial phase of the Great Harbour project, termed the Coastal Hub, extensively redevelops the waterfront area. 

The cornerstone of the project is the Sea Monster Park, which includes a large pirate ship, slides, a skatepark, a pump track and a stone sea dragon.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson cut the ribbon and was joined by young people from Glebe Primary, Councillor Christina Larsen, depute leader of North Ayrshire Council, community representatives, as well as other guests. 

The Great Harbour project is a £14m Ayrshire Growth Deal investment in Irvine’s Harbourside area which is being supported by £9m from the Scottish Government and £5m from North Ayrshire Council. Future phases are being carried out over the next couple of years.

Alongside the Sea Monster Park, the project’s first phase development includes a picnic space, Pilot House Plaza, asphalt footways with coloured flexible surfacing, the Skate Park and Pump Track, street furniture as well as seating in the site.

The project is a key part of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal. 

Tom Arthur MSP, minister for Business and Fair Work said: “The public realm improvements delivered through this phase of development, including the impressive Sea Monster Park, will play a key part in attracting more visitors to the Irvine area, boosting the local economy and providing a strong foundation for the next phases of the Great Harbour development.”

Alongside the park, new modular beach hut-inspired toilets are also in place. 

Councillor Eleanor Collier, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “Our development at the Harbourside is marine-based with a clear focus on our water spaces and the park represents that.”

Councillor Tony Gurney, leader of North Ayrshire Council and chair of Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee, said: “The Ayrshire Growth Deal has the potential to transform Ayrshire and it is great to see some of our developments now taking shape.

“We are continuing to move forward with many of our projects and we are excited for the future and what we can develop and deliver here in Ayrshire.”

The Maritime Mile, which is phase two of the project, will include a Marine & Arts Hub, which will have a new waterfront space helping to support events and better access to marine facilities. 

This work will also look into how the Harbour Master’s Office can be enhanced. 

Phase three intends to deliver a Maritime Heritage Hub. This will prompt the council to work together with the Scottish Maritime Museum and Crown Estate Scotland to improve current facilities around the Harbourside, and boost links between waterfront areas such as the Beach Pavilion, Puffers Café area and Irvine Train Station.