The historic Irvine Town House will form part of a new £20m leisure, culture and community centre, should a planning application submitted this week be approved.

The Irvine Leisure Centre would include a 25m pool, six court multi-use sports hall, fitness suite and studios, café, tourist information centre, local history and genealogy information, and a venue for weddings, civic functions, exhibitions and performances.

The council has spent the past five years developing the plans in conjunction with the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, sportscotland and Historic Scotland.

Councillor Marie Burns said the new centre would encourage locals to take part in regular activities, learn about the area’s history, bring visitors to the area and create a welcoming and safe environment for day and night.

“We have the opportunity to breathe new life into this part of the town centre and build on the work already being carried out in Bridgegate.”

The council will also work with the Royal British Legion to repair and relocate the Irvine War Memorial closer to its original site outside the Town House.