CBC Stone has commenced work on North Ayrshire Council’s £435,000 project to deliver fabric improvements to Kilwinning Abbey.
Kilwinning Abbey Tower was built in 1816 on the site of one of the original medieval towers that were part of Kilwinning Abbey. It still contains the original clock mechanism from 1816.
Wylie Shanks Architects prepared the tender information with input from North Ayrshire Council and Kilwinning Heritage. The work will deliver building fabric repairs and ensure water ingress is prevented. Lost features will also be reinstated, alongside a range of improvements to preserve the asset and enhance the visitor experience throughout the building.
In 2019, Kilwinning Abbey, the tower and surrounding grounds were identified as being of key local importance. Following the pandemic, the Kilwinning Place Framework was prepared, drawing upon community and stakeholder engagement involving local residents, businesses, community organisations, and relevant services from across North Ayrshire Council. This informed a set of priorities and actions – through which enhancing the Kilwinning Abbey Tower was established as a priority.
Councillor Tony Gurney, North Ayrshire cabinet member for green environment and economy, said, “Due to the complexity of the works it has taken a lot of effort to reach this stage and we are delighted that CBC Stone are now on site. We are really excited to see works progress over the coming weeks and months.
“The Abbey is a source of great pride for the community and the whole of North Ayrshire, due to its cultural and historic significance. The dedicated team of volunteers from Kilwinning Heritage, who run the Heritage Centre located within the Tower, do a fantastic job and these works will safeguard the building’s future which will allow them to promote and support the landmark for years to come.”
