The construction of a sea wall on the north end of the Largs promenade has been completed at a cost of £4.6m.
The northern section of the promenade has re-opened to pedestrians before the summer season gets under way, with the Largs Events Food and Drink Festival coming to town this weekend.
The project has seen the creation of a new precast concrete sea wall in front of the existing sea wall structure, for a 300-metre stretch of the promenade between Aubery Crescent and the existing RNLI slipway.
It has also allowed for the promenade to be extended to the line of the new wall, while the steps to the beach have also been replaced, improving accessibility for visitors.
The existing sea wall, which was constructed in the 1970s, has deteriorated because of its exposure to sea water.
North Ayrshire Council says it wants to ensure the new wall continues to provide optimum protection and support against wave activity and coastal erosion.
It decided the best design solution was to replace or encapsulate the existing wall.
The new structure has been delivered by contractors RJ McLeod on behalf of the local authority.
Work began on site in July last year, with diversion routes signposted for walkers heading to Aubery Park and the boating pond.
The section of grass between the RNLI station and Vanduara is now being re-grown and members of the public are reminded to stay off the grass during this process.
Inaccessible grass area of esplanade as grass allowed to grow back in following sea wall works (Image: Newsquest)
Councillor Ian Murdoch was asked by community council chairman Jim Phillips if the project had gone over budget at a recent meeting.
He replied: "It has been carried out and finished in a timely manner, and as far as I am aware, it hasn't gone significantly over budget."
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