Local people in Girvan and South Carrick are on track to reap the benefits of a new all-weather pitch, which will significantly enhance sports and leisure facilities in the area.
Proposals to create a new all-weather sports pitch in Girvan were approved by Councillors following a public consultation looking into potential locations and uses. Moves are now being taken to progress the project, with ground survey work to take place in the town's Victory Park.
A budget of £850,000 was outlined in the Capital Investment Programme in March 2018, with the work, if approved, likely to take place in 2019/20.
The public consultation, which took place in November 2018, attracted 249 responses, with 208 in favour of the proposal for a new pitch and 39 against (two offered no opinion). Nearly 46% opted for Victory Park as a preferred, central location, which is near to Girvan Academy and Girvan Primary, with changing facilities already available.
However, there was strong local opposition from people living in nearby properties to the pitch being developed at the top of the park – taking account of this, a compromise location has been identified in the west of the park nearer to the Rose Gardens.
The playpark which is currently located in this section of the park will be relocated as part of the works – ensuring it can still be enjoyed by local children – and flooding issues on the site will also be addressed as part of the programme of works.
Any final project would be subject to the results of a ground work survey as well as planning permission being granted and the outcome of a petition to the Sheriff Court as the proposals involve Common Good land.
Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture said community views had been taken on board: "We received a strong response to the consultation with the range of opinions voiced helping to mould the shape of the current proposals and my thanks to everyone who took part.
"The new pitch will significantly enhance the sports and leisure facilities available to the people of Girvan and will make a real difference for local people. There's a clear appetite for a facility that can be used all year round for a variety of activities and our proposals will make that a reality. I look forward to seeing the project progress in the months ahead.
"Importantly, people will still be able to comment on proposals in the planning stage with a further public consultation forming a key part of the process required to deliver a modern facility for Girvan and South Carrick."
The full paper 'All-weather sports pitch at Girvan' can be viewed here.External link