A new hub for adventure, learning and community activities in East Dunbartonshire has taken a major step forward.
Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre has been created on a previously derelict site beside the Forth and Clyde Canal. When it is up and running, it will be a base for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling and more.
It will also provide educational, training and volunteer opportunities – helping to promote regeneration and address disadvantage in the area.
East Dunbartonshire Council secured significant external support for the facility – including funding from the Scottish Government, sportscotland and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Construction work has now been completed – including:
- Storage for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and equipment – with direct access outside
- Wetsuit drying area
- Bike workshop room and storage
- Large meeting/seminar room which can be used as two separate spaces
- Reception
- Accessible toilets, showers, lockers and changing areas
- Food/tea prep area
- Outdoor seating
- Car and cycle parking
- Solar panels on the roof – saving money and reducing carbon emissions
- Landscaping and access road.
The Council has been working closely with Twechar Community Action (TCA), which manages Twechar Healthy Living & Enterprise Centre and has been central to the transformation of Twechar over two decades.
A marketing exercise was undertaken during the summer of 2021 which concluded with TCA being identified as the proposed tenant.
Work is now taking place to finalise the lease, after which the centre will be equipped and staff/volunteer training will take place. Look out for future updates on when the facility will be open to the public.
Well done to everyone who has worked so hard to complete construction on the new centre. This is a major step towards the facility being made available to people of all ages and abilities in East Dunbartonshire – offering a range of outdoor activities and opportunities, with community involvement at its heart.
The project was granted planning approval in March 2024 and is part of the Council's Capital Programme. It is hoped it will be open to the public this summer.
The site is owned by the Council and sits adjacent to the Forth and Clyde Canal, just off Main Street – at the northern entrance to Twechar. The project cost just over £5.6 million – more than half of which was externally funded.
That included support from the Scottish Government's Place Based Investment Programme, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, as well as sportscotland and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
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The Council has been working with a number of partners, including:
- SCAPE Scotland – the framework procurement route through which the contractor has been appointed to manage the design and delivery of the new centre via its supply chain. SCAPE Scotland is a public sector procurement specialist, dedicated to creating efficiency and social value via the built environment.
- Morgan Sindall Construction – the main contractor, appointed using the SCAPE Scotland Framework.
- AtkinsRéalis – appointed using the SCAPE Scotland Framework – which provided project management, cost management and principal designer services.
Lillian McDowall, Business Development Manager – SCAPE Scotland, said, “Our goal is to actively support the public sector in the delivery of projects that truly enrich and support local communities, so we’re proud to have been part of this project, which will bring value to the community and lasting benefits to residents for years to come.
“We have developed a strong, collaborative relationship with the Council over a number of years through their use of our Construction and Consultancy Frameworks.”
Stuart Parker, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said, “It's been great to complete construction works on Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre – it's a fantastic space and when it's open to the public this summer, we're hopeful it will play a key part in improving the health and wellbeing of people in East Dunbartonshire.
“The centre has brought fresh life to a previously derelict site and will encourage people to get fit and active. It was also a privilege to work within the community while it was being built, with our team engaging with Twechar Community Action and Lenzie Academy throughout.”
Claire Nelson, Regional Director – Project Management for AtkinsRéalis, said, "I am incredibly proud of our team's accomplishments in delivering the centre. This project not only fosters regeneration in the area, but also embodies the principles of social inclusion, adaptability and educational training.
“It has been a pleasure to work on such a remarkable initiative and to continue our partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council and SCAPE Scotland."
