North Ayrshire Council has ordered the immediate evacuation of eight flats and four retail units on Gallowgate Street after engineers warned of serious and worsening structural problems.

Earlier this summer, it became clear that the building at 24–36 Gallowgate Street was suffering significant ongoing structural movement. Structural scaffolding has since been erected to arrest any further outward movement of the facade.

In the meantime, discussions have been ongoing with the owners, their factor, and appointed specialists about the further work required to repair the building. However, following recent inspections, it has become clear that the defect has worsened.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “While the temporary buttressing is serving the purpose of preventing the front elevation from further outward movement, there are ongoing and serious widespread issues within the structure.

“As a result, the engineer’s immediate recommendation received is that all tenants within the flatted properties and occupiers of the retail units below are decanted without delay.

“Once the building is vacated, we will continue to work with both the owners’ engineers and our own to design and implement the remedial work required to protect the public.

“We recognise that vacating the building will have a significant impact on residents, business owners and their staff, and Council staff stand ready to provide support.”