Work to renovate Nairn Sports Club could start in May if remaining funding for the £300,000 project can be secured.
A new state-of-the-art gymnasium would form part of the refurbishment, which will also involve upgrading old changing rooms and creating a new social space inside a glass-fronted entrance to the building.
The sports club has now advertised for a contractor to carry out the work. But Pauline Barron, development manager at the club, admitted the project’s viability hinged on securing the final part of funding in April from the Lawn Tennis Association.
Planning permission and building warrants are already in place.
Ms Barron argued the sports club extension was necessary, because membership is continuing to grow, with a total of 25 classes currently being provided at cramped facilities.
She added: “If we get the go-ahead, then the idea is to start in May and get it up and running as soon as possible. The aim is that the work will be finished by the end of the year.
“This is something the committee have been looking at for years, so it will be exciting when it finally happens. This has been the committee’s vision for the sports club.”
Ms Barron stressed that a new gym would enable more people to make use of extra cardiovascular machines and stretching areas, whereas the current gym is too cramped and focused on free weights.
The proposed works will also involve building new changing facilities and shower cubicles – a far cry from the existing communal showers which have been at the building since it was constructed in 1979.
The interior space near the front of the building is small at the moment, but the hope is to create a bigger social area and provide a meeting space for community groups.
The extension will also be the catalyst for extra room for age-focused group sessions and enhanced space for storing sports equipment.
