The Village Centre in Bourtreehill could be poised for its first major revamp in decades.
North Ayrshire Council are set to fully consult shop owners and residents over plans for a minimum of 18 new council houses in the area.
Council chiefs this week refused to be drawn on whether that will mean demolition or part demolition of the existing shops at Lower Vennel. But they admitted decisions will have to be made on the future of the commercial units which are all in council ownership.
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Currently the area boasts a number of services including the award-winning Bourtreehill Supermarket, Premier shop, Boots pharmacy, Ladbrokes and Age Concern and a large car park. A council spokesperson said: “The council’s latest Strategic Housing Investment Plan includes provision for a minimum of 18 new-build council houses in the Bourtreehill Village area as part of a proposed £3m investment.
“The area includes the site of the former Village Inn public house, which the council acquired to support future redevelopment of the area, and a large, under-used car park which is also in council ownership.
“Officers from the council’s Housing Services team met with local business owners, local residents and community groups in Towerlands community centre on Thursday, February 28, to discuss the improvements that they would like to see in this area.
“No decisions have been made in relation to the future of the commercial units, which are all in council ownership.
“Following the event, council officers have been undertaking further engagement with local residents to seek their views about the area.
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“The feedback received is now being reviewed in order to inform an improvement plan for the area which will be presented to local people at a ‘draft plans’ consultation event later this year.
“Whilst plans for the area have still to be prepared, any proposals for the commercial units would be developed in close consultation with the occupiers.
“It is recognised that these units provide vital services to the local community, and the ongoing provision of these services will therefore form a fundamental part of any redevelopment proposals”.
