THE multi-million-pound project to build a new leisure centre in Helensburgh has benefitted from a funding award of £100,000.
The sportscotland cash is part of a £1.25 million pot which will be invested in clubs, communities and leisure trusts across the country.
Argyll and Bute Council has been awarded the cash for the £22 million waterfront development that includes a new leisure facility and swimming pool and is scheduled for completion in 2022.
The funding will be used to support existing plans including adding a movable floor to the studio pool which will be ideal for beginner swimming lessons and providing more inclusive access.
The addition of a changing place facility will also enable "more people with a disability to access swimming as part of a healthy, active lifestyle".
Meanwhile Lochgilphead’s popular community-owned swimming pool, MACpool, will also receive £100,000 to upgrade the existing changing rooms to create an inclusive, accessible shower and changing area, including a changing place facility, and improved pool entry.
This project is the result of extensive local community consultation and the adaptions will address barriers to participation, particularly for people with disabilities.
Priority was given to projects with a focus on increasing participation in sport and physical activity amongst young people, women and girls, disabled people, as well as deprived or rural communities.
Argyll and Bute Councillor Gary Mulvaney, policy lead for financial services and major projects, welcomed the investment: “The council is investing millions of pounds in creating a successful future for Argyll and Bute and the Helensburgh waterfront development is a key part of that.
"The funding from sportscotland is a much welcomed addition to our existing plans to include fully inclusive facilities and help encourage people who have previously faced barriers to participate in sport.
“Work is progressing well with plans to open the new leisure centre and swimming pool in 2022.
"Our investment alongside the additional funding will give residents a fantastic facility to enjoy and help attract more people to live, work and visit Argyll and Bute.”
In total, £1,264,750 will be shared between 15 projects across Scotland for clubs and communities, schools and education establishments, or performance sport environments.
Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “The projects receiving funding demonstrate real ambition and commitment to improving the lives of their communities through sport and physical activity.
"I am delighted that we can support their work through this investment.
“It’s important to recognise that without National Lottery players this level of investment simply would not be possible so we must say a huge thank you to everyone who has bought a National Lottery ticket.
"Their contribution means that we are able to help clubs and communities achieve their aim of creating the right facilities to develop sport and physical activity in their local area.”
Read all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond headlines here
Work to construct the six lane, 25m swimming pool in Helensburgh with 150 spectator capacity, along with enhanced public facilities incorporating changing rooms, lockers and showers, is well under way.
Earlier this month phase one of the structural steel frame was completed on site, with the focus now moving towards pouring the new swimming pool floor, continuing blockwork, phase two steel erection and advancing the flood defence rock armour.
The new facility will also incorporate a gymnasium, fitness studios, meeting rooms and catering facilities.
A new improved car park is being incorporated with improved access and new creative public spaces, walkways, artistic lighting, soft landscaping and artwork around the pierhead. The pierhead itself is being protected by new flood defences to protect the leisure centre against climate change flood events.
Since April 2007, sportscotland has invested over £192 million of Scottish Government and National Lottery funding to help sports clubs, community groups, local authorities, sport’s governing bodies and other organisations deliver new and upgraded sporting facilities across the country.
Other projects to benefit from the latest funding announcement include:
- Hillwood Community Trust (Glasgow) - £100,000 for a new pavilion
- Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust (Glasgow) - £100,000 for a new wellbeing centre
- Helmsdale and District Development Trust (Highland) - £75,000 for a new multi-use games area
- Garnock new visitor and community hub (North Ayrshire) - £100,000
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