A strikingly-modern community, cultural and leisure complex in the centre of Irvine (North Ayrshire), The Portal lies behind the former Irvine Townhouse on the High Street, providing a remarkable architectural contrast. The complex includes a 25-m swimming pool, teaching and warm-up pool, a six-court multi-use sports hall, fitness suite and multi-use studios together with community facilities. It was opened in 2017 by local swimmers Danielle Joyce (b.1996) and Abby Kane (b.2003), together with Derek Grieve, the Scottish Government's Head of Active Scotland. In 2018, the Portal received 874,037 visitors.
Designed by Sussex-based LA Architects and constructed by McLaughlin & Harvey of Belfast at a cost of £20 million, the Portal replaced the Magnum Centre at Irvine Beach Park. Developed by North Ayrshire Council in conjunction with the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, Sport Scotland and Historic Scotland, the project included remodelling of the historic Irvine Townhouse and moving Irvine War Memorial. The Portal has been intimately connected to the Townhouse, which dates from 1862 and provides complimentary cultural and leisure facilities. The complex is run by the charitable company KA Leisure which operates community facilities on behalf of North Ayrshire Council.
