Ardrossan Civic Centre
North Ayrshire Council · 11 February 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 11 February 2026 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 11 February 2026 Council Title: Ardrossan Civic Centre Purpose: Approval is sought for an allocation of £85,000 from the Ardrossan Common Good Fund to: - i. Undertake essential heating system repairs ii. Reinstate the passenger lift to ensure full accessibility throughout the building. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council approves the allocation of £85,000 from the Ardrossan Common Good to enable completion of these critical improvement works. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 1.1Ardrossan Civic Centre is an Ardrossan Common Good asset. It is recognised as a vital community facility, supporting local groups, wellbeing services, outreach programmes, and elderly activities. The heating system has failed beyond repair, and the passenger lift has been condemned, resulting in significant accessibility and compliance challenges. Investment is required to replace both systems, ensuring the facility remains safe, inclusive, and operational. 1.2 The estimated cost of these works is £85,000. 2. Background 2.1 The Ardrossan Civic Centre is a key hub for social inclusion, learning, and health activities; particularly for vulnerable and mobility-impaired groups. 2.2 The heating system which serves all areas out-with the main hall has failed, leaving the building unsuitable for year-round use, particularly in colder months, without the use of inefficient temporary electric radiators. 2.3 The platform lift which provides access from the main entrance to the principal floor has been out of service following a safety inspection. An alternative means of accessing the centre is through the Castle Craigs entrance using an external ramp, however this route requires travel through the main hall. This can be disruptive or in some cases inaccessible when the hall is in use for functions, compromising the ability to meet the Equality Act (2010) requirements.
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3. Proposals 3.1 To restore the full use of the building, ensure compliance with health & safety and accessibility requirements, and to reduce the risk of emergency closures, the proposal is for the failed heating system to be replaced, and the safety recommendations identified with the passenger lift are addressed through a new lift installation. The anticipated cost to decommission and remove the faulty boiler from site, replace with a modern and efficient appliance, and allow for any additional work to the heating system will be £30,000. The condemned platform lift will be removed and replaced with a new, fully compliant passenger lift, plus alterations to the existing fabric to accommodate the installation, for an anticipated cost of £55,000. The total cost of work required for Common Good funding is £85,000. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The anticipated cost to decommission and remove the faulty boiler from site, replace with a modern and efficient appliance, and allow for any additional work to the heating system will be £30,000. The condemned platform lift will be removed and replaced with a new, fully compliant passenger lift, plus alterations to the existing fabric to accommodate the installation, for an anticipated cost of £55,000. The total cost of work required for Common Good funding is £85,000. As of 31 December 2025, the Ardrossan Common Good Fund held a balance of £406,046.78. The current request represents 21% of this total and, if approved, would result in a remaining fund balance of £321,046.78. Human Resources 4.2 There are no HR implications arising as a result of this report. Legal 4.3 Ardrossan Civic Centre is an Ardrossan Common Good asset. The Council has a legal obligation to ensure the public buildings comply with the Equality Act (2010) to protect people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. Failure to provide an accessibly route to the building could put the Council at risk of contravening these obligations.
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Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 As per 4.3, there is a risk of failing to meet equality requirements for the building if the accessibility requirements are not met through the replacement of the lift. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 Although the building isn’t suited for a conversion to a more environmentally friendly heat source (e.g. ASHP) due to the age and fabric, any replacement gas-fired boiler will be more efficient and provide a more cost-effective means of heating the centre. A fully functioning heating system will also obviate the need for inefficient portable heaters. Key Priorities 4.6 If Common Good funding is approved, the works will support the Council’s key priorities of Wellbeing and Communities and Local Democracy through the following outcomes: - Places and public spaces across North Ayrshire are well maintained and accessible. Our places encourage strong inclusive communities and respect the local environment and cultural heritage. Community Wealth Building 4.7 PMI will work with Procurement to identify any opportunities to use local contractors. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 None United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 None Consumer Duty 4.10 None 5. Consultation 5.1 If approved, PMI will engage with Finance to establish a project budget through the Common Good funding. Thereafter, Connected Communities will provide assistance with communications and relaying details of the work to the community groups who may initially be impacted by any disruption, but ultimately will benefit from the improvements to the building.
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RUSSELL McCUTCHEON Executive Director (Place) For further information please contact Laurence Cree, Head of Sustainability, Transport & Corporate Property on 01294 324519. Background Papers 0