IDC ADVANCED FACTORY - by Crawford Fulton
This image's subject is one of relevance to Irvine today, how to you create jobs? Well, back in 1971, the planners at Perceton House thought that they had found the answer- the advanced factory unit (see photo). You could describe this policy of building industrial accommodation speculatively as the 'Field of Dreams' approach to economic development (remember the scene in the movie when Kevin Costner hears a voice in a cornfield telling him 'if you build it, he will come'). The problem is with this idea, with the exception of small workshop space, is that businesses have radically different space, layout and fitting out requirements (electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation) - you cannot predict what these will be. A cluster of 'advanced factories' which the Development Corporation constructed at South Newmoor showed how flawed was this approach. These units were built with loading bays which had insufficient height clearance to allow delivery lorries to access them!
Experience has shown that the best ways to attract jobs to an area are: providing a good workforce, one which is educated (Irvine has amongst the worst-performing schools in Scotland, I won't say which ones and not all schools in the town are failing); having a place with good amenities, so removing sporting facilities from the town with the advent of Magnum 2 (which should really be renamed 'Magnum Too Little') is not a bright idea; having a low crime rate, again we are at the bottom of the league on that one; and enjoying an attractive, well-maintained environment -oops, North Ayrshire Council hadn't thought of that one!
The Water Bridge and Low Green (1971-2) - by Crawford Fulton
This photo was taken by George McMaster from one of the Fullarton Flats. The first demolitions, to make way for the creation of the Rivergate Shopping Centre, can be seen on the right (just behind the shop units at the foot of Bridgegate). If you look to the top of the picture, there is no sign of the construction of the Northern Approach Road nor of the bridge which serves it.
Lower Bridgegate (late 1960s) - by Crawford Fulton
Looking east, from a few metres onto the Water Bridge; no properties had been demolished at this point - within a few years, only the Trinity Church (seen top right) would remain. Some people would call this 'bold planning' - I would describe it as an unpardonable act physical and cultural vandalism.