On track for sporting boost

East Dunbartonshire Council, in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust, is moving ahead with the development of the Huntershill sports project in Bishopbriggs.

The plans include a new changing pavilion, 3G floodlit sports pitch, six-lane running track, three tennis courts, upgraded sports pitches, access road, fencing and parking.

A public consultation event is being held in the community meeting room of Bishopbriggs Library between 4pm and 8pm this Thursday, January 15. People and groups are being given an opportunity to drop in, view and comment on plans, and also put questions to the project team.

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration, said, “This is a terrific opportunity for people to get an early glimpse of the exciting plans for Huntershill.

“I am, of course, delighted that work is continuing on the facility - which is shaping up to be very special indeed. The support of residents, sporting groups and organisations is going to be invaluable.

“This public consultation event is being held ahead of the planning application being submitted, offering people an early chance to look at plans, ask questions and have an input. I would urge anyone with an interest in the project to go along and find out more between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday 15 January 2015.”

The council previously pledged £2.9million of capital funding in 2014-16 towards the project, which includes £500,000 committed by EDLC, who will run the new facility.

EDLC and the Council have also been successful in a stage 1 sportscotland facilities grant application.

This is now being progressed to a stage 2 application where they hope to secure up to £500,000, which would take the total cost of the project to £3.4m.

Support has come from the Council’s capital programme - which is funded differently and completely separate from the revenue budget, which pays for day-to-day services.

The aim is to have the facility completed by August 2016.