North Ayrshire Council responds in aftermath of Irvine Forum fire

North Ayrshire Council has moved quickly to protect public safety and begin the recovery process following the major fire at Irvine’s Forum Centre.

With Police Scotland investigating the origin of the blaze, the Council is using its available powers to start demolition works at the severely damaged building so that nearby streets and pathways can be reopened as soon as possible.

Demolition contractors are already on site and work is expected to continue over the coming weeks as the structure is made safe and the wider area secured.

Although the affected buildings are in private ownership, the Council recognises the importance of the area to the wider regeneration of Irvine town centre and will lead the recovery effort.

Regeneration plans have been progressing regarding the future of Irvine town centre, which includes the use of the UK Government’s Pride in Place Funding and the work of the Irvine Neighbourhood Board.

Following the fire on Monday, a commitment was given that the Council will work at pace to progress these plans and where possible accelerate the commissioning stages of any redevelopment work.

The buildings affected by the fire, which started shortly before midnight on Monday, 2 February, have multiple private owners. The fire started from within the Forum Centre which resulted in the roof and steel frame collapsing.

Recovery works are expected to take about six weeks to complete and, as a result, this will require the closure of adjoining walkways and roads. In addition, the two car parks on West Road, between Mure Church and Low Green Road, will require to be closed during the duration of the works.

The Council is looking at ways to mitigate the access restrictions for businesses impacted so they can continue to operate as normally as possible.

There will, however, be unavoidable disruption to pedestrians during this recovery period with limited or no access to this area.

The Celtic Supporters’ Club are owner occupiers of the floor directly below where the fire started. The Council’s Business Support & Development team will work with the club to provide assistance in relation to alternative property relocation options whilst the future of their part of the building is determined.

Assistance and advice may be available to any other business affected by the recovery works, and they should contact the Council in the first instance.