September 4 2008

A masterplan has been submitted by NPL Estates and Keppie for Scotland's largest brownfield regeneration project at the Ardeer Peninsula in North Ayrshire.

More than £500m will be invested over the next 15 years to create more than 1000 new jobs and 1300 new homes.

NPL Estates, owners of the site, are working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council to deliver commercial and industrial parks, environmental improvements, the provision for existing industry to expand, a golf and marina development and a neighbourhood centre.

Owned by ICI until 1998, the site was formerly the largest explosives plant in the world and home to Alfred Nobel's Explosives Company. Activity on the site was at its peak during the 1950's and 60's when nearly 15,000 people from the surrounding towns worked there.

The Ardeer Peninsula spans 1700 acres of land along the Ayrshire coastline beside the three towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston. The core objectives of the masterplan are to clean up the site, create employment, protection and enhancement of the environment and the creation of a sustainable, extended community.

Simon Towers, Managing Director of NPL Estates, said: “This exciting plan is the culmination of over 5 years design and consultation work and will deliver unprecedented regeneration in an area which has experienced a decline in socio economic conditions following the downturn of heavy industry. This plan will reverse those conditions and will deliver real benefits to the local community.”

Suzanne McIntosh, Associate at Keppie Design commented: "We are delighted to be working on such a visionary project which will be key to reviving the whole area.  This is one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in the country and our involvement is testament to the strength of Keppie's capabilities in planning, urban design and landscape.  We look forward to continue working with NPL Estates and North Ayrshire Council and being part of such an important regeneration project."

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