A high-tech athletics track and associated buildings at Queens Drive, with a new footbridge over the river to link with cricket facilities re-sited at Scott Ellis playing fields, will create an innovative Kilmarnock Sports Park providing for several major sports on one site.
The new £5.6million facility will include a 400-metre outdoor oval athletics track, an indoor training space, a strength and conditioning room, a classroom and a spectator stand for 120.
Designs have been prepared by ASC (Athletics and Sports Consultants) to determine the positioning of the track and buildings on the site, to meet UK Athletics Grade 1 certification.
Queens Drive was chosen as ideal to accommodate a facility of this size and standard. The site has excellent transport links to the A77 and A71 and a high-visibility location providing a point of interest to those entering the town. The East Ayrshire Council is set to go ahead with plans to purchase additional land, owned by the Buchanan Bequest, adjacent to the council-owned ground, to gain enough space for the development.
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Following discussions with Kilmarnock Academy Head Teacher Carole Ford, whose school has sports facilities in the area, it was agreed that current layout of the pitches could be reviewed to accommodate the Academy’s requirements.
The school will use changing facilities at the new track and could have access to three pitches at Queens Drive plus added benefits of access to the new athletics track, indoor facilities and pitches at Scott Ellis. The footbridge will enable people to move freely between the two areas.
It is planned to re-site the Queens Drive cricket pitch to Scott Ellis Playing Field and create new cricket facilities there, using the existing track site and allowing access to the changing pavilion currently used by Kilmarnock Harriers.
Development of the new sporting provision is being facilitated by East Ayrshire Athletics Partnership (EAAP), which brings together the council's Leisure Services, Educational and Social Services, Kilmarnock Harriers and Scottish Athletics.
The Leader of the council, Douglas Reid, said: "The council regards the athletics track and associated facilities as key components of the regeneration of Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire.
"It will place the council at the forefront of sports facility provision in Scotland and will provide the foundations for training for many of our talented athletics as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games. In addition, the facility will provide a venue for hosting major competitions and, as such, bring tourism and income to the local economy."
(GK)
