This £5m development, supported by £2m of Scottish Government funding, has seen the creation of a mix of general needs homes, amenity bungalows, and homes suitable for wheelchair users.

With tenants having recently moved into their brand new homes, Provost Dickson officially opened the new development which is called Fitzsimmons Wynd named after the last Provost of Ardrossan, John Henry Fitzsimmons. 

Best known as Jackie, he was the final Provost of the burgh before the formation of Strathclyde Regional Council and Cunninghame District Council in 1975. Mr Fitzsimmons, who was born and raised in Ardrossan, went on to become a foreman at Ardrossan harbour, before serving 13 years as a Councillor after being elected in 1962. He was ultimately elected as Provost of the burgh and served in the role between 1973 and 1975.

Mr Fitzsimmons’ children attended and helped Provost Dickson perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Taking part were his daughter Doreen and husband Peter McNeillie, as well as his sons Vinnie, Martin and Henry along with their wives Joyce, Ellen and Catherine.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands at North Ayrshire Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the official opening of the new homes on the site of the former James McFarlane School.

“It has been particularly poignant as we were delighted to welcome members of the late Provost John Fitzsimmons’ family to the opening and see the development named in his honour.

“The 19 new homes at Fitzsimmons Wynd are the latest to be delivered under our ambitious housebuilding programme and make a valuable contribution to our target of delivering 1,643 modern, affordable council homes by 2030.”

The development was delivered alongside partners hub South West and construction partner Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited.

Tom McEwan, Development and Operations Manager at hub South West Scotland, said: “We’re proud to have partnered with North Ayrshire Council and Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited to deliver this high-quality, energy-efficient housing development at Fitzsimmons Wynd. 

“It’s fantastic to see tenants now settling into their new homes, which have been designed not only to meet modern living standards but also to support the Council’s wider net zero ambitions. Projects like this demonstrate the real value of collaborative working—delivering sustainable homes, creating local employment opportunities, and leaving a lasting legacy for the community.”

Euan Clark, of Ashleigh, said: “We were delighted to deliver the new build affordable housing units at Fitzsimmons Wynd, Ardrossan. North Ayrshire Council is a valued client for us and we’re proud to continue that relationship, in partnership with Hub South West. 

“The Scottish Government has made clear its objectives in supporting projects like this, and it is vital that support continues in years to come. This continuity allows us to deliver on our collective community wealth objectives through supply chain and apprenticeship opportunities.”

The energy-efficient homes at Fitzsimmons Wynd support the Council’s efforts to combat climate change and tackle carbon emissions. They have been built with environmentally-friendly features such as enhanced building insulation, air-source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, low energy lighting and water saving fixtures and fittings.