Building work ahead of schedule as Leisure centre takes shape

2 Aug 2006

Residents in Kirkintilloch will have noticed that construction of the new state-of-the art leisure centre in Woodhead Park is well under way, with building work progressing ahead of the original proposed schedule.

The centre, one of Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI) flagship projects, is rapidly taking shape and looks set to be complete within the deadline. At the moment the steel frame, roof and floors are all complete, and the area where the 25 metre six-lane swimming pool will be, has been formed.

Contractors on site have also marked out the area where the car park, football pitches and tennis courts will be located which helps to give residents an understanding of the scale of the new development. Specialist work on the outdoor sports facilities will begin soon, after the ground has been properly prepared.

As part of the building process, there will be large lorries delivering materials, as well as debris cleared away from the area over the next month. Duncan Hamilton, Project Director for Kirkintilloch’s Initiative said: “This is essential work which has to be carried out in order to continue with construction of the area, and maintain the current level of progress. We are working closely with the contractors to ensure that every effort is made to keep disruption to a minimum while this work is carried out.”

Project Champion for the Leisure Centre, Mark Grant has been monitoring the progress of the building work: “Construction on the site has come a long way since work began at the beginning of the year and its really starting to take shape. Development of the entire area is underway, and we are already discussing arrangements for the opening next year. I look forward to seeing the site progress over the coming months”

Councillor John Morrison, KI board member and Leader of the Council said: “Day by day I can see from Tom Johnston House the rapid progress which is being made with the building of the leisure centre. I am very pleased to that the project is proceeding according to schedule.”

Discussions between KI and East Dunbartonshire Council have been taking place with regards to replacement of the play park and landscaping of the area surrounding the centre. Plans for these will be taken forward in due course.

Barr construction is continuing to maintain contact with residents in the area, through their regular newsletters which contain updates of work on the site. As part of KI’s on-going communication and involvement with locals in Kirkintilloch, Barr construction are assisting with proposed school visits which will provide children with details of building work, as well what the centre will bring to the area. These visits are due to take place once the schools return after the summer break.