Irvine beach park is to get a new national attraction play park under Ayrshire Growth Deal proposals.
A team involved in the Kelpies is being consulted on the plan to make the fun area in Irvine a major destination in Scotland.
It is part of a £14 million bid to transform the Irvine coastal area — called the 'Maritime Mile' project.
North Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Joe Cullinane said experts in the tourism economy involved in the Falkirk Kelpies have been advising the council on ideas.
The Labour councillor said: “They have been working alongside us in how you make Irvine Harbourside a national visitor destination. Their advice was to have a nationally major play facility at Irvine beach. We are not talking about a couple of swings and a roundabout. We are talking about something really substantial that will attract families to the area.
“I think in general the great harbour brings us the opportunity to build on the business success we have seen there that has came without the public investment that probably the harbourside needs.
“The regeneration project will hopefully boost some of those existing businesses but create opportunities for new businesses as well.”
There is a plan for a waterfront plaza with the upgrading of existing pontoons and slipways.
There is also the potential for new eateries — and the former Harbourmasters Office could be home to a new business.
The National Maritime Museum would also get increased exhibition and event space. The project has been dubbed as the 'Maritime Mile.'
A transport assessment is to be undertaken to consider parking levels for visitors.
An outline business case for the Irvine harbour plans has been submitted to the Scottish Government with approval expected “imminently” according to a council paper.
Next Tuesday ruling Labour councillors sitting on the cabinet are due to vote on supporting the development of the proposals to full business case or tender.
They will also decide whether to sign off on further engagement with the community on detailed designs for the projects.
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