A Kilmarnock business park is set to get new industrial units built by the council at a cost of more than £5 million.
The aim is to boost jobs and help companies expand.
East Ayrshire councillors approved the construction of the new units in Kilmarnock’s Moorfield Park this week.
A report presented to councillors said there is a lack of suitable industrial accommodation available.
A large unit measuring 29,000 sq ft is to be erected at a cost of £2.14m and leased by the council. It is expected 55 employees could work there. Another six smaller premises with a floor area of 5900 sq. ft each will also be constructed. The £2.88m terraced units would also be available for rent.
The council said it has received about 24 queries on a yearly basis from companies looking for premises. Half of the firms are in the manufacturing and engineering sector.
Speaking at the East Ayrshire cabinet meeting, council leader SNP’s Douglas Reid said: “The council is leading the way in terms of investment here – not just protecting jobs but expanding.”
Conservative councillor Tom Cook said: “I welcome this paper. It is a great investment.”
He added: “It is essential we have premises available and ready as businesses won’t want to wait a year.”
SNP councillor Jim Roberts said: “This paper is a no brainer. The demand is there in Kilmarnock.”
Premises built by the council at the business park before have attracted firms to the area.
Hyspec Engineering are based in a building, which was constructed in 2015. Scotia Double Glazing is due to move into a large unit, which was built in 2016.
A council report said: “This has allowed Scotia to consolidate their manufacturing and administrative operations, improve efficiency, safeguard 183 jobs and create a further 35 new jobs.”
Discussions are also taking place with other companies to lease spaces.
