Proposals for major works at Ardrossan Harbour have been given the green light, Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf MSP has announced.
The Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce has identified its preferred design option for the harbour upgrade, which will improve the facility’s operations and resilience.
Mr Yousaf said:
“I thank all the organisations and individuals that make up the Taskforce for their efforts.
“The SNP Government is committed to ensuring that the Arran ferry service is fit for the future. These plans will help bring greater resilience and reliability to the link.
“I look forward to continuing this collaboration with the members of the Taskforce as we work together to deliver this important project.”
Added Kenneth Gibson MSP:
“Many constituents have asked about the plans to develop the harbour. So, a year on from the successful campaign to retain Ardrossan as Ayrshire’s port of choice to serve Arran I am delighted that the preferred design option, of three considered, has been agreed.
“The harbour upgrade has been deliberated over for some months, considering the size of the new vessel, berthing simulations etc; and the design being taken forward is a significant improvement on the ‘base’ design originally considered.
“We will now look at detailing that design so that work at the harbour can begin at the earliest possible opportunity.”
“Improvement works at the harbour and the £22 million investment anticipated from the Ayrshire Growth Deal to boost Ardrossan can be the catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town, transforming its economic prospects.”
The decision came following the latest Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce meeting where a preferred design option emerged.
The decision came following the latest Ardrossan Harbour Taskforce meeting where a preferred design option emerged. This option would see the current berth at Ardrossan realigned, a new linkspan installed, a new terminal building constructed as well as other enhancements.
The next steps will include the detailed design of the facility to be considered by the Task Force.
The Task Force is chaired by the Minister for Transport and the Islands, and made up of representatives from North Ayrshire Council, Transport Scotland, Peel Ports, CalMac, CMAL, the Arran Economic Group and local MSP Kenneth Gibson.
ENDS
