Barr Construction workers are putting the champagne on ice as they just started on a cool £1m contract to construct new skiing facilities at the Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex in Ayrshire.

The operators of the complex plan to replace the existing ski slope and form two new slopes to cater for beginners and experienced skiiers alike. The smaller slope will measure 32 metres long and 18 metres wide, while the main slope will be 100 metres long and 20 metres wide.

The extended facility, due to be finished at the end of the year, will include a new range of features to attract snow boarders and free-riders including the installation of a table top jump area and moveable race gates.

-- Advertisement --

The extension and renovation at Newmilns began with a major clearance of the existing site. Barr's construction team removed the existing foliage and topsoil before re-profiling the existing ground to create a steeper slope.

The surface of the new slopes will be dry with two lengths of bristles to facilitate downhill skiing and manoeuvres.

A ski lift and tow are being transported from France and Austria for the activity area and will take skiers up the hill to the rapid downhill challenge.

Robert Pollock of NSASC said: "We are looking forward to having an updated complex suitable for the needs of all our visitors from leisure snow sports enthusiasts to future snow sports racers."

Barr has a track record of delivering successful sporting facilities including the 2012 Olympic basketball arena and is at present also working on Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

(NE)