Two sports projects in a north-east town are set to benefit from more than £150,000 in grant funding.
Aberdeenshire Council has earmarked the go-ahead for providing the Fraserburgh Fitness Centre and the town’s South Links sports facility cash as part of a wider regeneration scheme in the port.
The only thing that remains is for local councillors to give their approval next week.
Fraserburgh Fitness Centre has asked the authority for £150,000 to complete an extension and upgrade of its facility.
The gym was established in 2004 and today operates out of a former council maintenance storage facility off Maconochie Road.
It has more than 2,000 members and provides a range of activities for both children and adults.
Its £500,000 expansion would result in the return of squash courts to the town.
Previous courts that were housed in Fraserbugh’s community centre were lost when the facility was torn down and replaced.
Stephen Archer, the council’s director of infrastructure, said construction work could start in the spring if the funding is approved.
“The anticipated benefits of the project will include increased participation in sports pursuits,” he added.
“Their research indicated that such a facility could attract around 500 uses per month, without taking into account the potential to attract new users.”
Alongside this, the South Links Development Trust, which is in the process of completing a new running and outdoor sports facility near the town’s beach, is asking for £27,000 to support its early years of operation.
Mr Archer said: “The new South Links facility will make a considerable contribution to positioning Fraserburgh as a regionally significant hub for a rich diversity of sports.
“It will also raise the profile of the town, in turn attracting more visitors and associated economic benefits.
“The facility will also be available for use by local residents, raising the levels of participation, health and well-being.”
Councillors will discuss both proposals at a meeting of the Banff and Buchan area committee on Tuesday.
