Best foot forward
£2m athletics centre plan
Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club wants to build a £2.1million state - of- the - ar t training centre.
Coaches have unveiled blueprints for the track and field project in the grounds of Linwood’s On-X sports centre.
Arc h i t e c t s C RGP unveiled designs for the facility in a planning application lodged with Renfrewshire Council.
The local authority revealed proposals to create the academy in a report to members.
It stated: “Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club is one of Scotland’s most successful clubs and is in the premier division of three major Scottish Athletics’ leagues.
“It has over 525 members who are drawn from across Renfrewshire’s communities and beyond.
“Its members were represented in the Great Britain Olympics team in Rio De Janeiro in 2016.
“The club currently utilise the outdoor track and field facilities at Linwood’s On-X Sport and Community Centre.
“However, during inclement weather they struggle to adequately accommodate their members; utilising where possible the adjacent On-X indoor facilities and local school PE halls.
“While the proximity of these indoor venues is convenient, the school facilities are limited and the On- X being a commercial public concern, is often fully booked preventing the club’s ability to utilise it during unpredictable weather.
“To address these challenges, Kilbarchan AAC has prepared a feasibility study for the development of an indoor athletics training facility on council- owned land adjacent to the existing outdoor track.
“The club propose to lease the land from the council for the area required for the development.
“The total cost of the proposed facility is estimated at £ 2.1m and Kilbarchan AAC have secured just under £1m to date and are embarking on a major fundraising exercise to secure the total requirement.”
The centre would boast an indoor sprint and hurdles area with six lanes.
An enclosure to practice throwing sports, including javelin, discus and hammer, would also be built.
Space would also be set aside for dedicated high jump and pole vaulting training.
The council- owned On-X has its own outdoor running track and games field.
The new centre would be the first of its kind catered to serious and elite competitors in the region.
The council could provide up to £500,000 to help create the centre.
Ki l b a rc han AAC has produced a slew of top athletes, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games stars.
Brothers Callum, 25, and Derek Hawkins, 28, started their careers with the club.
The younger becoming the first British runner to beat Sir Mo Farah, 34, in any race for seven years at January’s Great Edinburgh International Cross Country.
He became the first British winner of the Great Scottish Run in 23 years after setting the current course record in 2016.
Jemma Reekie, 19, also represents the team and has been tipped as a future track star.
A decision on the planning application is expected in December.