Moray regional sports facility boost
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A MORAY businessman has secured the land needed to build a regional sports centre for Moray.
Sandy Adam, chairman of house builder Springfield Properties, has long been a supporter of the idea which has been on the agenda of Moray Council, Moray College and of local sports clubs for many years.
Mr Adam said: "Moray needs better sports facilities. We’ve started the ball rolling by securing the land at low or zero cost. There are locations to the south of Elgin which fit the bill perfectly.
"The centre likely to be built in phases with each phase designed to allow for future expansion. When it comes to what will be built, at this stage nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out. We need to hear how we can support each sport and build the right facility for Moray."
Mr Adam will hold a public meeting on June 22 to listen to ideas and discuss the project.
"If your sport has an interest in having a regional sports centre you need to be at that meeting.
"The money will come from various sources and we’ll need help with attracting funding.
"Finally, at this stage we need to be thinking about how the place is going to be run so that it can stand on its own feet financially. We’ll be making an announcement about that and about initial funding commitments at the meeting.
"There’s no false start this time. We’re out of the blocks and running!"
Moray Council’s Sports Development Officer Kim Patterson recently headed a review of sports, leisure and recreation provision in Moray. The review highlighted under provision of, and limited access to, 3G artificial pitches and indoor sports hall facilities.
She said: "This project will put sports in Moray on the map. With greater access to better facilities and year round play many sports will be in a better position to attract coaches and expand their clubs. The centre will provide more opportunities for everyone to participate in physical activity, helping to address issues with health and obesity across our community. And a regional sports centre has the potential to attract top flight competitions and mean that elite athletes will be able to stay in Moray to train rather than having to relocate.
"This idea has been on the go for years and suddenly it’s got momentum. This is a very exciting time for sport in Moray."
Moray College UHI has been approached with a view to becoming a partner.
Derek Duncan, Director of Curriculum and Quality for Moray College UHI said: "Moray College UHI is fully supportive of the development of a new community sports facility in Elgin. With the introduction of our new Sports degrees we see a need for this type of ambitious facility to support the growth of training and education in this field. Any investment which provides more and easier access to a range of specialist sports facilities, such as those being proposed, is a real advantage to UHI curriculum development as well as a benefit to the wider community."
The public meeting takes place at The Alexander Graham Bell Centre at Moray College UHI on Monday, June 22. It starts at 6:30pm and is open to everyone.
