Plans have finally been lodged for a new £3million sports centre in a Highland town – after a 25-year campaign by local residents.
There were celebrations in Dornoch last night as the long-awaited development reached a crucial stage.
New artist’s impressions offer the first glimpse of how the new centre will look, and it is hoped that work can begin this summer.
A site to the rear of Dornoch Academy has been earmarked for the facility, which would boast a four-court sports hall, viewing area, changing rooms, equipment store, office and reception.
A link would also designed at the entrance so that a 1,600sq ft fitness suite can be added if funding is obtained in the future.
The sports centre project, which was previously a community initiative, was taken over by Highland Council and included in its capital programme in 2013.
East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Jim McGillivray hailed the progress on the project last night.
“It’s good to see it finally getting to the planning stage. It’s really fantastic news,” he said. “For some of us it has been a 25-year ambition. It has been a long, long haul.
“I think it’s a quality design. I hope myself that after the election there will be a capital plan meeting towards the end of May, and all being well, we’re hoping to start in July.
“I think it’s a growing community with more young people and students who are needing a sports facility like this.”
The plans represent the latest multimillion pound investment proposed for Dornoch in recent months.
A development of 24 luxury apartments and four cottages has been earmarked for a site next to the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, while 40 new student flats, a driving range, tennis court and a golf pro-shop are planned for the town’s former abattoir site.
The turning point for the sports centre campaign was in 2013 when the plans featured in the council’s capital programme and backing was given by SportScotland.
Highland and Island Enteprise’s Dornoch town masterplan was also launched in the same year.
Yvonne Ross, Dornoch provost and community council chairwoman, said: “I’ve been on the committee that wanted a sports centre since my daughter was two, and she’s now coming up for 27.
“It is a significant moment. Certainly the community needs it and wants it and it will be great when it’s up and running.
“I think the designs are really good, but I think we would be grateful for anything to be honest.
“Everyone is delighted. In the last 25 years this is the most optimistic we’ve been about reaching our goal. It will be a huge step.”
The proposed structure for the main sports hall is to be a steel portal frame, while the changing rooms are to be constructed in a light steel frame with timber infill panels.
The viewing area will able to be used for community events either as a separate room or being fully opened up to the lobby area using movable wall panels.
A new 40-space car park is envisaged to the east of the school, while access to the centre will be from Evelix Road.
Highland Council has invited contractors to express an interest in the project last summer.
