Plans to refurbish the fire-damaged building at 117-119 High Street in Irvine have been filed with North Ayrshire Council, just one day after a significant blaze tore through the property. The proposals aim to repair the structure and change its use, with a decision on the applications expected within the next two months.
The building, located in the town centre between the Jobcentre and the former King's Arms, sustained substantial damage from a fire that occurred on October 20. Emergency services were called to the scene at 5:30 AM on Tuesday and remained there for hours. As many as seven fire appliances were involved in tackling the blaze, which led to public access restrictions and the closure of High Street by Police Scotland. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing, according to Police Scotland.
On October 21, refurbishment proposals for the premises appeared on North Ayrshire Council's planning portal. Derek Gall had initially submitted two applications for the property in August of this year. These applications were not validated by planning officers until the week of the fire, coinciding with the proposals appearing publicly. The titles of these applications were updated to specifically refer to the building as fire damaged after their initial lodgment.
The submitted plans detail extensive repair and refurbishment work intended to restore the derelict, listed building. External works will focus on cleaning and repairing the existing stonework of the facade. Deteriorated sash and case windows, characteristic of the building's historic design, are slated for replacement. Additionally, repair work is planned for the roof coverings to ensure the structural integrity and weatherproofing of the property. The applications also include the installation of a new shop front, designed to enhance the building's street-level appearance. The stated intention within the application is to “retain and enhance the existing historic character of the building.”
Beyond structural repairs, the proposals outline a significant change in the property's use. The ground floor, which was previously used for commercial purposes, is proposed to be converted into a café. The upper two levels, comprising the first and second floors, were formerly residential flats. Under the new plans, these floors would be reconfigured to provide modern office space. This transformation aims to bring the entire building back into active use following the fire and a period of dereliction.
The applications are currently pending consideration by North Ayrshire Council planning officers. A final decision on Derek Gall’s proposals is anticipated within the next two months. This timeline suggests a path forward for the High Street property, transitioning it from a fire-damaged site to a new commercial and office hub.