Ayrshire sports and athletics are set for a major boost across the town.

South Ayrshire Council have put plans in place to transform various sport and athletics facilities for the benefit of the community. The high-quality initiatives have gained momentum and the council are in partnership with several groups to get the programme underway.

Initially, a new state of the art sports facility beside Ayr Academy in the Craigie Estate will be delivered. Outlined in the March 2018 budget, £4.7million has been allocated and made available to this area. The programme will generate a new eight lane running track along with a grass infield for sports such as long jump and discus, alongside flexible storage space, associated changing pavilion and car parking.

On top of this, the Council continues constructive discussions with Ayr Rugby Football Club about relocating to play its games in the town centre at Dam Park Stadium. This would ultimately raise the profile of the club and generate larger crowds on match days.

However, Whitletts Victoria Football Club currently play their games at Dam Park and suggestions have been made to relocate to Whitletts. This project involves improving existing facilities to serve community and sporting needs, providing a long-term home for the club.

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said they working to achieve a vibrant vision. He said: “We’re committed to reducing poverty and disadvantage and working with our communities to deliver sustainable ways of promoting health and wellbeing.

“The projects in Dam Park, Craigie and Whitletts are designed to dramatically improve our sports provision in Ayr, while working closely with community sports groups to make sure that these developments act as a springboard for future success.

“The new sports facility at Craigie is due to be delivered in the 2019/20 financial year and will be open for community use. Once completed, the developments will lay the foundations for generations of people across South Ayrshire to take part in sporting activity.”