Sports centre group makes good progress

Design feasibility study will be ready for the public during May

THE group investigating the redevelopment of a former sports centre in Langholm will be ready to present the findings of its design feasibility study in May.
Its next major challenge for the Townfoot sports centre is finding funding to upgrade and run the venue.
At the beginning of February the group received the grant offer letter from Dumfries and Galloway Council for funding to support its design feasibility study.
The amount awarded covers the full cost of the design
architect but doesn’t cover other activities needed to support the project.
The working group is looking at other ways to fund the shortfall.
A spokesperson said: “We have asked architects Robert Potter & Partners of Dumfries to conduct the design feasibility study and we had a very positive and constructive meeting with the architects last week.
“We expect building and
location survey work to start very soon.
“People told us in the community survey what they would like to have in a sports and leisure centre.
“The design architect team will use this information to create an initial concept design.
“When the design feasibility study is completed, the working group will use the information to develop a business plan, looking at the economic viability and sustainability of the sports centre redevelopment.
“We hope to be able to give the community an update on our progress in April and a presentation on the findings and conclusion of the study by the end of May.”
The spokesperson added: “One of the major challenges ahead will be how to fund the sports centre redevelopment and
operating costs.
“The centre could, for example, receive money from community benefit funds from the Ewe Hill windfarm.
Survey
“The Dumfriesshire East
Community Benefit Group is currently conducting a survey about how windfarm money should be distributed to the community.
“The sports centre project is one of several community projects and organisations mentioned in the survey.
“We would like people to consider completing this survey and, in particular, the sports centre reference section 9.”
In the coming weeks and months the working group will work on the development of a business plan framework and on an application to form a Scottish Incorporated Charitable Organisation (SCIO) to manage the activities of the redeveloped sports centre.
Informed
It will also engage with
potential capital funders and
engage more with community groups and organisations to make sure it keeps everyone
informed of project developments.
The group appreciates everyone’s continued support and asks that people share their newsletters with friends and colleagues.
If anyone would like to be added to the mailing list, they can contact the group at townfootsportscentre@gmail.com
People are welcome to get in touch if they have any questions or comments.