COAST to give new lease of life to former tennis courts pavilion
The first steps have been taken which should see the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) move its operations to the former tennis pavilion in Lamlash.
Planning permission is being sought to turn the pavilion into offices and a multiuse space as the first phase of a proposed marine discovery centre.
The environmental organisation is also busy raising finance to carry out the renovation work which will see internal alterations to the existing toilets and the creation of a glazed extension to the front to form a reception and exhibition and meeting area.
Hire of the tennis courts, together with racquets and balls, and the use of the putting green will continue to be available from the pavilion after the change of use,
Andrew Binnie, COAST’s executive director, told the Banner that plans to purchase and reinvigorate the Lamlash tennis courts area were progressing well and that they were currently busy writing funding applications to renovate the pavilion.
Mr Binnie said: ‘This is an essential first step as it will provide an HQ and multiuse office space for COAST and the South Arran Marine Protected Area.
‘We plan to continue to hire out courts and provide racquets and putters but hope to do this throughout the entire summer season. We will also be seeking funding to upgrade two of the court areas.’
In a statement in support of the planning application, which is being considered by North Ayrshire Council planning officials, COAST explains: ‘The existing building was created as a tennis pavilion back at the start of the 20th century to provide meeting, changing and toilet facilities for members and visitors play- ing tennis or putting. The facility is currently owned by the Lamlash Tennis and Bowling Club which is struggling to maintain both the building and the playing surface of the four tennis courts.
‘Tennis membership has declined over the years, and the courts are lightly used outwith the eight weeks of the summer season. The club has agreed to sell the facility to COAST which intends to repurpose the building as offices and multi-use space.’
Prior to submitting the application, COAST held a public meeting in Lamlash to make the public aware of its proposals. The meeting was attended by more than 80 people who voted unanimously in favour of the proposals.
COAST is currently housed in cramped, rented accommodation in Lamlash with poor access to its two main projects – the No Take Zone (NTZ) and the South Arran Marine Protected Area (MPA).
It says the proposed alterations and extension will revitalise the building and enable COAST to become a more economically secure social enterprise and create a valuable community asset.
Mr Binnie added: ‘We will also be seeking funding to upgrade two of the court areas.
‘We hope to move into the pavilion next year and then to start the architectural design process for the proposed marine discovery centre. This will require a separate planning application and the involvement of the whole community as well as North Ayrshire Council and other stakeholders. Later this autumn we will be holding a public meeting to update the community on developments and seek their views.’
Editorial opinion: page 8.