PLANS to redevelop Winton Park in Ardrossan have taken a step forward.

It comes after owners of the ground, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, submitted plans to North Ayrshire Council for a number of improvement works to take place at the Anderson Terrace ground.

The detailed proposals are comprised mainly of three developments, the first of which being replacing the current grass playing surface with a synthetic pitch.

Planning documents brought to the local government further detail that the current floodlighting system would be replaced.

While proposals also include the erection of a new modular changing rooms unit at the park to assist with the planned increase in usage.

Approval of the plans would be a major step in completing the works which have been in the pipeline since later 2022.

We first reported on the Winton Park redevelopment plans in December that year when the Ardrossan Community Sports Hub launched a bid to secure part-funding for the project.

The charity - who as part of the project will lease the ground from Winton Rovers for 25 years - later secured £100,000 of funding towards the £540,000 project  from North Ayrshire Council's community investment fund in February 2023 - with the aim of having all funding in place by this month.

READ MORE: Winton Park AstroTurf plans boosted by North Ayrshire Council funding

It is hoped that the redevelopment can provide a major boost for sport in the area both at a senior and youth level.

Planning documents explain: "The club also has a thriving and successful youth academy with 17 teams currently, including a women's section.

"Currently the club have to pay for facilities at other council and community sports club’s facilities. This places a significant burden on the club.

"The delivery of the enhancement would result in significant economic benefit to the club, thereby ensuring its financial viability, provide a high standard of amenity in the Ardrossan area and allow the club to meet, and further increase, its members needs and introduce a high level facility to the local community and wider population."

While it is also stated that replacing the current "vintage" floodlighting at the ground will provide further benefit by allowing the facility to be used until 10pm seven days per week.

Planning papers also go on to explain the need for development in the changing facilities at the ground.

They state: "As cross pitch play would be possible on the new surface, four age group squads could be in play at any one time.

"It has, therefore, been identified that four changing rooms would be required to service the use pattern. Ancillary accommodation for officials, a manager office and storage would also be required.

"The existing changing facilities, within the stand building, will be maintained. New changing facilities will, therefore, required to be provided elsewhere.

"To meet funding targets, an economic solution to this is required. It is, therefore, proposed to install a single storey prefabricated modular changing unit located discreetly adjacent to the high-level boundary walling to the north of the existing stand building.

"The unit will be craned into place, onto a prepared base and will then connect into on-site services."

The plans are currently pending consideration and can be viewed in full via the council's online planning portal searching for reference 24/00173/PP.

If approved, it is planned that work will get underway at Winton Park in June of this year.