The team behind ambitious £15million plans to extend Inverurie’s sports centre has admitted funding the project will be a “challenge”.
The proposals put forward by the Garioch Sports Trust are expected to be approved by councillors next week.
The Inverurie Sports Development Project (ISDP) is a large-scale extension of the existing sports facility in the town, to include a new home for Highland League side Inverurie Locos FC and three indoor tennis pitches designed by Judy Murray.
In February the project was placed under threat as council bosses ruled out providing any funding for the development.
Last night however, Graeme Hay, director of the Garioch Sports Trust said it was “just another challenge” that they would have to overcome, adding: “It was a disappointing blow at the time, but we are still hopeful of getting all the funding in place.
“We are looking forward to a positive outcome on Tuesday as it will be a huge asset for Inverurie.
“The funding will no doubt be the biggest challenge, but it’s good that we can hopefully jump this first hurdle with regards to planning approval.
”We are actively pursuing a range of funding options including (approaching) national organisations, trusts, with local fundraising a regular part of our business planning.”
Aberdeenshire Council had previously been in talks with the football club to buy its existing ground on Harlaw Park to build a new HQ for the authority, but have since pulled out of the plans.
Locos spokesman, Mike Macaulay, last night confirmed that the club was now in negotiations with another interested party, and said: “I’m very excited that the Locos are still included in the relocation plans, but I can’t say anything about the sale of our existing ground at the moment.”
Members of the Garioch Area Committee will meet on Tuesday morning to discuss the plans which have been recommended for approval by planning officers.