THE volunteers behind ambitious plans to transform derelict land for sport in West Kilbride have admitted that it's been a steep learning curve so far.
The West Kilbride Community Sports Club has taken over the lease of the derelict blaes area in Kirktonhall Glen, adjacent to the tennis courts.
The council approved the charity’s request for a 25-year lease of the local sports facility in September.
Since then, the facility has gained further attention of local residents and businesses interested in supporting outdoor sports.
Part of a 20-year redevelopment project, the lease of the blaes pitch at Kirktonhall Glen is just one way the council has helped this local sports charity.
In early 2023, a council proposal saw funding ringfenced for the community sports club from the council’s community investment fund.
This £6,750 allocation has since been used to bring on board a development consultant to help with the complex re-development.
Kay Hall, secretary of West Kilbride Community Sports Club, said: “The lease to take over the community facilities at Kirktonhall Glen marks the latest milestone in our ambitious plans.
“As we set our sights on 2024, on behalf of our members and trustees, I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank the North Coast Locality Partnership and the council for the support and expertise they have provided us over the past year.
“It’s been a really busy last few months. Since employing our development consultant, thanks to the council’s Community Investment Fund, we have been able to start writing our development plan.
“We are also scoping the area for suitability, environmental considerations and plans for the construction.
"This has been a steep learning curve for some of us, but, we are fortunate to have a wealth of experience on our development group committee and are positive that we will continue to make good progress in 2024.”
The club’s main aim is to put West Kilbride’s sports facilities on the map and provide a wealth of multi-sports activities.
Over the past five years, the club has undertaken two successful projects so far in Kirktonhall Glen – upgrading the formerly redundant tennis courts and the successful refurbishment of the previously dilapidated sports pavilion, adjoining the popular 11-aside football pitch.
Kay added: “The nearby tennis courts – managed by West Kilbride Tennis Club – are now thriving and the club is one of the most successful in Ayrshire with a membership of around 200 people and an extensive coaching programme for young people.
“Our refurbished sports pavilion is shared between the tennis club and West Kilbride Amateur Football Club and is providing excellent facilities for both.
"But we are a long way off fully realising our vision for the site, which will in total will be an estimated £500,000 to fully re-develop the grounds, floodlighting, access, changing facilities and a sports pitch."
The charity hopes to make significant steps forward in their investigatory groundworks in the coming months and then, will work on more detailed plans to support bids that the club hope will attract external funders who have a shared vision of enhancing sports opportunities for all with the creation of the new multi-amenity sports facilities.
Councillor Alan Hill, North Ayrshire Council's cabinet member for communities, said: “We are delighted to help.
“We will continue to work closely with the sports club and the community to help them progress this important local re-development project.”
To find out more about similar opportunities in North Ayrshire, visit northayrshire.community/community-empowerment.
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