Plans to transform an old multi-use games area (MUGA) in Renfrew into a facility with a synthetic pitch have been given the green light by Renfrewshire Council.
Renfrew Victoria Football Club’s application for planning permission for the project at Kirklandneuk Pavilion in Ness Road – driven forward by agent company Sports Labs – has been approved.
The Vics, as they are known locally, have already landed funding to deliver a Cruyff Court in place of the MUGA next to its recently refurbished building.
Stuart Wild, club chairman, told the Paisley Daily Express: “We are delighted because all we ever wanted was a way to give something back to the community. We’ve been down there for 15 years and the MUGA has not changed in that time. Nobody uses it because it is run-down and dilapidated.
“It is a shame that it was never upkept but everything has a shelf life and at the moment it has seen better days. Given we have now had official confirmation of the planning permission via Renfrewshire Council, we will look to proceed into the build phase of the project.
“We are in dialogue with our partners at the SFA and Cruyff Foundation as well as our suppliers Sports Labs who will be undertaking a feasibility study in greater detail.”
The Vics secured a long-term lease for the pavilion and playing fields via a community asset transfer in November 2022. That agreement was approved at the infrastructure, land and environment policy board, concluding a process dating back to 2019.
Major improvements have been carried out at the building since, including a new kitchen, larger changing rooms, social space and outdoor seating. Now the club are looking ahead to the addition of a small floodlit pitch to expand their offering to include a small-sided game format for boys and girls, enabling football to be played “day and night, all year round”.
A supporting statement, which was submitted with the planning application, added: “Local community groups will also be given the opportunity to grow with plans to host free walking football for men and women of all ages. This would be coupled with a coffee club within our newly-renovated pavilion, in turn allowing discussions regarding mental health and wellbeing.
“We are also working in partnership with the local pre-five nursery to offer a sensory space for their ever growing numbers of children with additional needs. The nursery is currently unable to offer any outside learning due to safety issues. This enclosed astro would allow for outside learning in a safe environment.
“Football for all persons with disabilities – similar to walking football, we wish to offer a safe space to empower players with disabilities to play football.”
Sports Labs prepared initial design drawings and led the planning process on behalf of the Vics. It will add more detail to the blueprint before putting it out to the market for contractors to bid to take on the construction work.
David Dickinson, the company’s consultancy manager, who grew up in Renfrew, said: “I referee football professionally in Scotland and my first game was out on that pitch next to where the Cruyff Court will be. It was close to the heart for me really.
“We carry out this role across the UK and Ireland but when this one came along, I offered our support in-kind just to help them on this journey.”
According to the council’s report of handling, there were representations both in support of and objecting to the application. Some people felt the work would be an upgrade on the current facility, while others were concerned it would restrict who can use it.
However, Mr Wild has insisted any individual or constituted groups who wanted to use the facility would be able to do so at no cost. In the official decision notice, the local authority confirmed the proposal was in line with the provisions of the development plan.
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