The SHIP sets out the priorities for affordable housing investment in North Ayrshire over the next five years and outlines how the council and its Registered Social Landlord partners will deliver these priorities.

So far, the council has delivered 975 new homes against its SHIP 2025-2030 new build target of 1,643 properties.

Now it plans to enhance its programme by bringing forward planned developments and increase the target to 1,666 new homes.

The report considered by Cabinet recommends that the third phase of the development at St Michael’s in Kilwinning is moved from the SHIP shadow programme into the main programme.

This would see 46 new homes constructed at the former school site, adding to the 119 homes previously developed during the first two phases.

In addition, two new council sites have been added to the main SHIP programme for 2026-31:
 
    • Redburn Grove, Irvine (16 units) - redevelopment of the Gypsy/ Travellers site
    • Guthrie Road, Saltcoats (7 units) - redevelopment following demolition of the existing block as part of the Estates Based Regeneration Programme.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities, housing and islands at North Ayrshire Council, said: “There is no doubt that North Ayrshire is successfully delivering one of the most ambitious housebuilding programmes across the country.

“We are well on our way towards our target of building more than 1,600 brand new, energy-efficient homes in every part of North Ayrshire.

“So far, we have built 975 new homes with a further 258 homes currently at the construction stage – including 50 homes at the former Garnock Academy site in Kilbirnie and more than 200 at Ayrshire Central and six at the former King’s Arms Hotel in Irvine.

“By adding even more developments into our plan, we are strengthening our commitment to build modern, affordable and accessible homes in communities where our residents want to live.”

The housebuilding programme, which is supported by funding from the Scottish Government, is making a significant difference across North Ayrshire, and providing a catalyst for the regeneration of towns and communities.

In the past year alone, the council completed a number of developments, delivering 26 new homes at St Mary’s Gardens in Largs; seven homes at Newhouse Drive, Kilbirnie; 31 units at the former Stanecastle school site in Irvine; 19 homes developed at the former James McFarlane school site in Ardrossan; and seven were developed at Laburnum Avenue, Beith.

Future plans for Irvine include 43 homes on the site of the former high flats in Fullarton, 188 homes at Montgomerie Park, and a further 32 homes at Bourtreehill. In addition, seven new homes will be developed in Nursery Place, Ardrossan, and six homes at Grange Court, Stevenston.