Investment proposal to save pitches
Plan to improve football and golf amenities
RUNDOWN football pitches shunned by sports fans are to get a multi-million pound facelift.
Knightswood recreation ground has poorquality red blaes pitches and no suitable changing accommodation and is no longer used by football clubs. Even local youths prefer to play elsewhere.
The pitches are next to the recently upgraded nine-hole Knightswood golf course, but development is restricted because of the lack of a suitable clubhouse.
The golf course and football pitches are owned by the city council and managed by Glasgow Life.
In a bid to improve facilities at both, the council plans to lease the football pitches to a private operator who would provide two fullsize, synthetic, floodlit football pitches, up to 10 five-a-side pitches and a pavilion for the golfers and footballers.
It is estimated the work will cost several million pounds, with the operator picking up the bill.
City council deputy leader Archie Graham said: “It is envisaged the project will lead to jobs being created along with increased uptake of golf and football.”
If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the site will receive outline plan- ning permission. Mr Graham said this would give bidders g reater confidence in the viability of the project and increase interest and competition from the private sector.
Applying for planning permission would also mean that local people are consulted on the proposals.
A condition of the deal will be that the public has free use of the new facilities during off-peak periods.
It is likely to be autumn next year before the new operator is selected by the council.
Local councillor Paul Rooney described the plan to upgrade the area as “excellent news”.
He added: “We will have top-class sporting facilities in the heart of Knightswood.”
Mr Rooney believes sports operators will be interested in the site, particularly if it is advertised for lease with planning in principal for the pavilion and new pitches.
He said: “This is a large site and its proximity to the golf course make it a terrific proposal.”