A state-of-the art new business space was officially marked as complete today (Tuesday) at one of Ayrshire’s major sites for business and industry – i3 in Irvine.
The i3 Enterprise area, plays a key role in supporting economic growth, primarily through Ayrshire Growth Deal funding. Investment at the site is focused on delivering modern, flexible workspace to support local businesses, attract inward investment and create jobs.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, carried out duties to mark the completion of the first phase of the i3 Flexible project at the new premises on Tuesday.
This new generation of industrial property is an 18,000 square feet unit with yard space that incorporates sustainable and low carbon components and features:
- An impressive specification including secure yardage; dedicated parking including EV charging.
- Low energy LED lighting; roof mounted PV panels and FTTP fibre connection.
- The unit is capable of subdivision or extension.
The building has already been marketed for lease and the first tenant is expected to be confirmed soon.
The building forms part of the i3 Advanced Manufacturing Flexible Space Programme that is being supported by £15 million of funding through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, with £11m from the Scottish Government and £4m from North Ayrshire Council. The Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund also helped enable early development and remediation work.
Contractor Muir Construction Ltd delivered the £5m development.
The Council are now progressing the second stage of the development which like the first phase, will be the subject of approval of the project’s Full Business Case. In addition to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, this next phase is supported by significant funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.
Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “We are delighted that the work on this fantastic new facility has been completed and we are looking forward to seeing the new tenant in place here very soon”.
“The i3 Business Park is a key strategic site not only for us as a Council but also Ayrshire as a whole. It already consists of a wide and varied business base including antibiotics manufacturer GSK, engineering technology business Booth Welsh and natural and herbal remedy manufacturer Vogel. It also hosts the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) and is a real skills hub for industry and academia. This new development, which will be followed by the second phase of development, will provide even more opportunities to attract large-scale inward investment opportunities to support advanced manufacturing uses.”
David Fairweather, Business Development Director at Muir Construction Ltd added: “It was a pleasure working with such a collaborative team from start to finish on the delivery of a project which clearly meets the demands of the current market.
“In addition our presence in the area was an excellent opportunity for us to deliver meaningful community benefits in the form of employment and STEM skills support at local schools.”