Public demand will shape blueprint for sport centre: Gowans

The creation of new sports facilities in the east of Inverness must be driven by local demand, the chairman of a working group has said.

Ken Gowans said a “proper consultation” will be undertaken to determine what facilities are needed.

He added it is required to “ensure we are meeting the needs and expectations of the local community first and foremost”.

Mr Gowans was appointed Inverness East Sports Facilities chairman in December.

Reports emerged recently the new group could opt to rejuvenate previous specialist sports offerings, such as a velodrome. Although nothing has been ruled out, Mr Gowans said this was not a high priority.

“We are at the early stages and we are very open,” the Highland councillor said.

“We will have to consider primary options such as a swimming pool which could in turn save on the cost of constructing such a facility if a new school is to be built on this side of town at any point in the future.”

He added: “We haven’t ruled anything in or out at the moment.

“But we need to deal with the fundamentals and the key priorities of providing a sports facility that serves the widest possible community.”

Mr Gowans has said the east provides the ideal location to attract others in from across the region.

He added: “I also see this as a sports centre that can serve the whole of Highland.

“It will be within close proximity in the east of the road network, the airport and the train station, and will take advantage of the new east link.

“We need to take our time to determine the right approach to ensure these facilities best serve the local and wider population, and benefit the Highlands and Inverness for generations to come.”

High Life Highland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), sportscotland and the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) are also involved.

The working group began identifying in January what facilities would be best.

The main focus is the needs of families, young children, people with a disability and the wider community.

Key facilities identified as being required include a swimming pool, indoor courts and a gym.

Multi-purpose rooms, eating areas such as cafes and restaurants and meeting rooms are also high on the agenda.

Facilities in Aberdeen and Dundee are seen as potential blueprints.

Mr Gowans added inspiration is being sought from Nordic neighbours too.

Potential locations mooted include Inverness Campus, Milton of Leys, Inverness East Retail Park or Culloden Academy.

GAMES CHANGER: Ken Gowans, chairman of the Inverness East Sports Facilities group, says a new swimming pool is a ‘primary option’.

A velodrome is not viewed as a priority for the complex.