A north community is edging closer to victory in its 25-year fight for a new £3.5million sports centre.
It is hoped that a critical package of community match funding will help seal the deal for Dornoch after a number of knockbacks to the plans.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club has offered to pay for new public toilets to replace the existing council facility in the town, as part of its new development including a shop, tennis court and driving range. This would likely equate to about £350,000 of indirect contributions to the local authority.
First look at designs for £3million sports centre in Dornoch after 20-year wait
And up to £100,000 from the Dornoch Common Good fund has been ring-fenced for the new sports centre, which would be located on a site near Dornoch Academy.
These contributions will be used to complement funding set aside in Highland Council’s capital plan.A final decision on approving funds will likely be made by councillors in August.
But East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Jim McGilivray, who prompted the match funding initiative, firmly believes the community efforts will clinch the deal.
And he is hopeful that council officials will sign off the relevant work contracts by June 23.
Mr McGillivray said: “I think the community match funding makes a strong argument for it (the sports centre) going ahead. Local people know what they need and are prepared to make contributions.”
The new multi-use sports centre would boast a four-court sports hall, viewing area, changing rooms, equipment store, office and reception. A link would also be designed at the entrance so that a 1,600sqft fitness suite can be added.
It is said this would be the first major public investment in Dornoch since the secondary school was built in 1963.
The sports centre project, which was a community initiative, was taken over by Highland Council and included in its capital programme in 2013, and backing was given by SportScotland.
Highland and Island Enteprise’s Dornoch town masterplan was launched in the same year, with plans for new accommodation for students at UHI’s North Highland College increasing the market for the facility.
Yvonne Ross, Dornoch Area Community Council chairwoman, said: “I am delighted to hear of any progress with the sports centre plans.”
