MORE exciting designs for the Millport Coastal Flood Defense Program have been released as the community consultation phase comes to a close.

The North Ayrshire Council is currently seeking a maritime license and port review order, ahead of the opening of a tendering process for the work.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in the fall of next year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Feedback from residents helped further shape the designs before they were approved and submitted.

This includes better access to beaches and foreshore, new coastal protection structures, resurfacing of the promenade and flood walls to incorporate wooden benches with armrests.

Changes have also been made to the design proposals around the Cross House, which will involve two levels of low flood wall instead of the single higher wall as proposed at the start of the consultation.

The idea of ​​raising the lawn along Kelburn Street was also changed in favor of a short section of flood wall.

The designs for the major tiered cladding installation at Crichton Street and Cross House were also refined.

Council officials say the new plans “will fit in perfectly with existing rock outcrops on the foreshore.”

Varying the size and shape of the steps across the upholstery will provide seating possibilities and improve the appearance over more traditional upholstery.

Currently, a total of 37 benches are offered along the waterfront, which will also include recessed areas to allow wheelchair users to park next to the benches.

Council officials say every effort will be made to minimize the impact of construction works on the surrounding environment, including the Kames Bay site of particular scientific interest.

They say an otter protection plan will be prepared and mitigation measures will be in place to avoid disturbing the seals that live on the Eileans.

A council spokesperson said, “We will organize a competitive bidding process to appoint a contracting civil engineering company to build the project.

“A contractor specializing in marine construction will be required who has experience in carrying out construction work of a similar type and scale.

“Construction work at sea and on the foreshore is more likely to be affected by inclement weather, so it will have to be done between spring and fall.

“The schedule for work at sea will also have to take into account sensitive breeding seasons for seals and birds, and for the summer period when people can swim in the sea.

“We will try to limit the work that is undertaken in the busiest parts of the city during the summer months, when there are the most visitors.

“Construction is currently expected to take around 18 months, so the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.”

For more information on the Millport Coastal FPS, visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/MillportFPS.