AN eyesore building on Largs seafront is getting a much needed upgrade which will provide a big improvement to the seafront, a local councillor has revealed.

North Coast Independent Councillor Ian Murdoch gave an update on business developments in the town at last night's Largs Community Council meeting.

He said: "It's great to see the front of the Anaya's old premises being roughcast. This will be a huge improvement to the appearance of Gallowgate Street.

"The Anayas building has been an eyesore for a very long time and it has been renovated inside and over the last few days it has been roughcast and it is looking great."

Anayas was vacated in January 2020, and the frontage of the premises has been left in a rotten state over recent years.

Before: Anayas been been left in a rotten state over recent years and was an eyesoreBefore: Anayas been been left in a rotten state over recent years and was an eyesore (Image: Newsquest) After: Roughcast improvement for eyesore building is underwayAfter: Roughcast improvement for eyesore building is underway (Image: Ian Murdoch)

Cllr Murdoch told the community council that there is no tenant for the building as yet, but there is somebody about to sign the lease on the former Albert’s Bar premises next door.

"With scaffolding up and work going on at the former Helter Skelter site, and Allegria Restaurant already there, that particular section of Largs seafront from School Wynd to the church building is going to be totally improved."

Gordon Craig, owner of Tinto Tapas, has taken over the neighbouring Helter Skelter development, with planning permission received last year for a new restaurant.

Tinto Tapas boss Gordon Craig has plans for restaurant approved at former Helter SkelterTinto Tapas boss Gordon Craig has plans for restaurant approved at former Helter Skelter (Image: Newsquest)

In terms of other developments in the town, Cllr Murdoch said: "In relation to M&S Foodhall, there is not really any update, they are still negotiating the construction contract for that but I am a bit concerned that that is taking so long."

The retail giant confirmed the M&S Foodhall is now set to open in 2025 as part of its announcement that £30 million is being invested to open five new and expanded stores around the country.

It had previously been hoped that the Largs store would be opening by the end of the year but opening plans have been delayed.

In June of this year, the planned new £5m store was granted a licence but so far, there has been little sign of activity on the vacant site in Largs town centre.

Marks and Spencer site in Largs: Councillor voiced some concern over lack of progressMarks and Spencer site in Largs: Councillor voiced some concern over lack of progress (Image: Newsquest)

At the community council meeting, Chairman Jim Phillips asked about the companies moving into the former M&Co building, and Cllr Murdoch said that it was one company that was moving in with shops being sub-divided.

Former M&Co site in Largs set to be divided into four different shops including Bonmarche, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Ponden Home Interiors and PeacocksFormer M&Co site in Largs set to be divided into four different shops including Bonmarche, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Ponden Home Interiors and Peacocks (Image: NAC)

According to a recent planning application for signage to North Ayrshire Council, the businesses which are set to move in include Peacocks, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Pondens Home Interiors, and Bonmarche.

Marks and Spencer have been contacted for comment.