A fantastic new community sports complex has opened in Lennoxtown marking a significant investment by East Dunbartonshire Council.
The new facility at Lennoxtown High Park is the result of a multi-million pound project to transform an under-used sports field into a new, state of the art all-weather sports pitch.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, welcomed the completion of the £4.3m sports facility.
Councillor Ferretti said, “I am delighted to see this project come to fruition and now open for the people of the wider Campsie area to enjoy. It has been a long-held plan to have a sports facility such as this in the area and it looks fantastic.
“This community asset represents a major capital investment in the village and I know that it will be well-used by local clubs.
“The project has been delivered on budget and I am pleased to see that bookings are now open for the new facility just in time for the Easter holidays.”
Councillor Ferretti was joined by kids and representatives from local clubs Campsie Black Watch Juniors, Campsie Minerva AFC and Campsie FC at the opening.
Councillor Ferretti added, “It was great to be joined by young people from some of our local clubs at the official opening and I’m sure they can’t wait to start playing here.”
The original grass playing fields have been replaced by a single 3G astroturf pitch which now means that it can be used throughout the year as opposed to the previously restricted use during the winter months.
The existing single storey pavilion has been extended to increase capacity and now boasts two new changing rooms, in addition to the original two, as well as toilet and shower facilities and an equipment store.
Other improvements to the site include drainage and ground retention works - in order to alleviate issues with standing surface water - and floodlighting to the pitch. Spectator standing areas have also been included as well as additional parking for both cars and bikes with associated street lighting.
The Council worked with SCAPE Scotland, a public sector procurement specialist, and Morgan Sindall, the main contractor appointed using the SCAPE Scotland Framework in order to deliver the project.
Rachel Park, Framework Manager at SCAPE Scotland, said, “We are delighted to be here to mark the opening of the community sports complex in Lennoxtown.
“This is an important asset for the people of Lennoxtown and we are proud to have been involved in the delivery of the project along with our partner Morgan Sindall for East Dunbartonshire Council.”
Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland, added, “It's a privilege to deliver this first-class sports facility that will play a key part in improving the health and wellbeing of people in Lennoxtown. By renovating the previous facility, it will breathe fresh life into the area and encourage people to stay fit and active.
"Handing over the sports complex just in time for the Easter holidays is great and we can't wait for people to enjoy everything it has to offer. We'd like to thank East Dunbartonshire Council for trusting us to deliver an inclusive, outstanding asset that will benefit everyone in the community now and for years to come.”
The completed facility is owned by the Council but will be managed and operated by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLC).