South Ayrshire Council has submitted a planning application for a new leisure facility at Girvan Harbour.

Capital funding has been confirmed for the £5 million project, which is being developed by the Council in conjunction with South Carrick Community Leisure (SCCL).

The development will be the first leisure facility to have been built by the council in two decades.

Submission of the planning application marks another key milestone for the project.

The building will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, soft play area, a fitness gym, flexible multi-purpose studio/community space, changing facilities and a café.

Timber cladding will be the main material for the outside of the building, providing a durable exterior that will weather naturally over time.

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Other features on the building will include extensive glazing, ensuring the development makes the best possible use of natural light.

Inside, the development will be divided by an internal 'street' which houses the café and reception areas and links the front and back of the building.

Staff facilities, public toilets and the main stair and lift will be located behind the reception area on the ground floor.

Changing facilities will be provided on both floors of the building, with the pool changing village on the ground floor, and the gym/studio changing rooms on the first floor.

The gym will contain modern fitness equipment, while the two studios can convert into one large space by opening the folding partition wall.

The building will be fully accessible, with facilities provided for disabled/elderly swimmers and disabled car parking.

Determination of the planning application is expected by the end of September, subject to feedback received during the statutory planning process.

Council Leader Bill McIntosh said: "This is another terrific development for the Girvan and South Carrick project and shows just how everything is now coming together thanks to the significant amount of groundwork that has been put in place by both the Council and SCCL.

"Planning permission is the next major step in moving us closer to getting work started and I would hope the extensive pre-application discussions that have taken place with planning colleagues will mean we can get a decision sooner rather than later."

(LM)