£7.8m sports hub takes shape

The Herald revealed at the end of last year that contamination on the site of the community sports hub at Huntershill, as well as drainage issues, had added more than £2.6m to the bill.

The facility is being developed by East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust.

In December last year, site investigation works identified “previously unknown challenges” with ground conditions and drainage, with the projected total cost rising to £7.8million.

A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire said this week work was “racing ahead”, adding that the sports pavilion building, which includes 10 changing rooms and a recreation hall, was recently “topped out” with all steelwork, 
concrete roof deck and insulated roof cladding installed.

He added work is also forging ahead on a full-size, 3G all-weather sports pitch with floodlighting and fencing, as well as a six-lane running track.

Plans also include three floodlit, all-weather tennis courts, an access road and parking.

In addition to capital funding from the Council and EDLC Trust, sportscotland has contributed £500,000. The development is due to be completed by spring.

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration said: “This is going to be a first-class facility for people and sporting groups of all ages and abilities.

“From earthworks and foundations to roofing and drainage, the new community sports hub is rapidly taking shape.

“I’m particularly pleased that work is going so well on the new sports pitch and running track - which will be IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) compliant.”

Work has taken place with Scottish Athletics, Tennis Scotland, local football clubs, athletics groups and rugby clubs to encourage sporting activity in the community, as well as enhancing facilities for local performance and club-level athletes.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said, “At sportscotland we know that working in partnership and identifying opportunities is the best way to maximise resources and deliver a great outcome for sport.”