The first anniversary of new Council housing in the heart of Largs has been celebrated.
A year has now passed since residents moved into the modern, three-storey building, on the site of the former Largs Police Station, in Court Street.
Now called John Stewart House, it provides 12 town centre amenity flats, with a mix of one and two-bedroom homes.
Provost Anthea Dickson was joined by fellow elected members, representatives of development partner Hub South West and Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, who were the main contractors, to view the completed development.
Also present was David Agnew, great grandson of John Stewart, who was representing his family, including his mother Kareen, at the occasion.
The building was named after Mr Stewart, a leading light in Largs and the man credited with initiating the scheme to build the Pencil and the Bowen Craig walk.
Mr Stewart was born in Largs in 1866 and was schooled at the former Brisbane Academy, near the old police station site.
After initially working at the Stewart family firm which landscaped Gallowgate Square, he also ran a photography business in town. Mr Stewart was also involved in civic duties and is said to have influenced the donation of Douglas Park and adjacent hillside to the town. He died, aged 76, in 1942.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, said:
“We were approached by David who had the idea of naming the new building John Stewart House. We were all in agreement that it was fitting that a man who achieved so much for his hometown should be remembered."
Michael Ross, CEO of Hub South West, said:
“We are very proud to have worked in partnership with North Ayrshire Council to deliver this first class facility with our construction partner Ashleigh.
“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together to create spaces that genuinely make a difference to the local community.
“To date, in partnership, we have been involved in the delivery of more than 400 housing units with North Ayrshire Council, all with a strong programme focus on social value, local jobs, local apprenticeships and using local partners to deliver the projects.”
Euan Clark, of Ashleigh, said:
“We were delighted to deliver the new amenity flats in Largs. North Ayrshire Council is a valued client for us and we’re proud to continue that relationship, in partnership with Hub South West.
“This continuity allows us to deliver on our collective community wealth objectives through supply chain and apprenticeship opportunities.”
Residents at John Stewart House benefit from a communal entrance, scooter store and a lift providing access to the upper floors.
The site also neighbours St Colm’s Gardens, a state-of-the-art sheltered housing complex consisting of 29 flats for older people, which was completed in 2022.
