ICI Staff Restaurant (Former), Nobel Business Park, Stevenston

Symmetrical, single-storey, 7- by 3-bay former temporary pavilion built for the Empire Exhibition (see Notes) and resited at Ardeer, with large curvilinear Dutch-Baroque gables and later, 1960s, 2-storey flat-roofed section added to SW. Steel and timber framed structure, with cream painted asbestos cement cladding. Very steep pitched roofs with brown pantiles; replacement slates at W end. Multi-paned sash and case glazing made up of small square panes with chunky astragals.

The former South Africa pavilion with its distinctive curvilinear Dutch Baroque gables is one of the few remaining buildings from the Glasgow Empire Exhibition of 1938, held at Bellahouston Park. It was built originally to show exports from South Africa and the Dutch gables were designed to reflect the Dutch influence in South African architecture. Built as a temporary structure, the building was later moved to Ardeer to become a staff canteen. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

5 February 2016: Nominated for the Register by a member of the public as disused and in deteriorating condition. For Investigation.

23 July 2018: Nominated for the Register by a member of the public as disused and fire damaged.

5 November 2019: External inspection finds the building remains disused and is in deteriorated condition. The condition of the roof is the main cause for concern - pantiles have widely been lost, exposing the roof timbers to the elements. Most openings are blocked up. There is evidence of ongoing vandalism at the site, mostly in the form of graffiti. Dampness is causing the painted render finish to blister. Rainwater goods are widely broken or missing, or blocked with vegetation growth. Door pediments have detached. Move to At Risk

11 January 2021: BARR is advised there have been recent down takings at the site.

9 March 2021: Listed Building Consent for demolition of the building is being sought (21/00205/LBC). Risk level moved from Moderate to High.

24 May 2022: A member of the public notes the demolition application noted previously was withdrawn in May 2021.

8 September 2023: A member of the public informs us that the property is being marketed for sale by TSA Property Consultants Ltd. with a guide price of £120,000.

8 December 2023: The property is being advertised for sale by auction through Future Property Auctions for a guide price of £55,000.

1 February 2024: Member of the public advises that the condition of the building has deteriorated significantly. Desk-based assessment of images provided by member of the public finds that the east gable and central roof have suffered collapse. Condition moved to Ruinous.

The property remains advertised for sale by auction through Future Property Auctions with a current auction date of 08 February 2024 with an opening bid price of £42,000.

27 August 2024: Marketing details removed.