Centre plan well and truly afloat
Watersports facility modernisation
An update has been provided to councillors on the £15 million redevelopment of watersports facilities at Strathclyde Park.
In 2020 North Lanarkshire Council formally recognised the need to update the existing centre, which opened in 1976 but has seen little subsequent investment compared to other facilities.
The following year a proposal was submitted to the Scottish Government, detailing how a replacement facility could be a key part of the council’s green energy programme.
In an update to the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, chief officer Andrew Mcpherson’s report states: “The need to modernise the Watersports Centre and provide updated public services, including space for delivery of the outdoor education programme, was recognised during the master planning process for Strathclyde Country Park and approved by the Policy and Strategy Committee in March 2020.
“The Watersports Centre was completed in 1976 and has only received limited infrastructure budget since, with minor interior decor upgrades, and a recent upgrade to outdoor education provision.
“The windows, heating, and roofing throughout are all the original, resulting in a very ageing fabric with poor insulation, spaces that are not fit for purpose, poor energy efficiency and a poor quality visitor environment.”
The refurbished centre is designed to provide a source of renewable energy by pumping heat from the loch water into the building, with more power being generated via a solar canopy over a car park.
Other features of the project include renovating Bothwellhaugh Cottage to replace temporary buildings, improving street lighting and providing charging points for electric vehicles.
The cottage will also provide a base for arboricultural staff and equipment, away from the public.
The new centre is expected to attract visitors, offering a waterfront cafe, reception area, auditorium and atrium. Modernised changing facilities will promote watersports and a deal with Edinburgh University Rowing Club will see provision of a dedicated area for their activities, while boosting revenues and encouraging young people to take part in the sport.
Office and meeting facilities will be available for council employees.
The design will also reflect Strathclyde Park’s role as the main centre for the council’s outdoor education programme following the closure of its Kilbowie centre in Oban.
The report adds: “The renovated Watersports Centre aims to increase visitor numbers to the building and park, leading to health and wellbeing improvements, increased catering income, improving the long-term economic outlook for NLC and potential job creation.”