North Lanarkshire Council has published details of its plans to transform a watersports centre in Motherwell.
A planning application on the council’s website includes documentation on the project, funded by the Green Growth Accelerator, to refurbish the venue in Strathclude Park, which also includes building an extension over the roof terrace and installing new charging points for electric vehicles.
The facility has hosted major international competitions including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships while the council also has ambitions to enhance the tourist appeal of the park itself.
In addition to catering for elite competition, the centre also provides activities for schools and community groups.
Other intentions of the project are to give the venue a more appealing appearance to attract additional visitors, especially to the new cafe on site, and to make it much more energy efficient, dropping carbon emissions from over 200 tonnes per year to around 12.
The planned extension to the terrace level is designed to improve the efficiency of the building’s interior space, creating new rooms while avoiding the need to construct any new foundations which would be both costly and carbon intensive.
The existing top floor, containing a now disused control room for races and a cold water tank, is to be removed. A new water tank would be installed on the second floor instead.
The project will provide new insulation, ventilation systems, and also replace all external windows and doors, with solar planels also to be provided. A water source heat pump in the loch will provide heating and hot water – all contributing to the improvements in energy efficiency and carbon output.
In May last year, Council Leader Jim Logue and Helen Loughran, convener of North Lanarkshire Council’s Environment and Climate Change visited the park to inspect the ambitious plans which will greatly enhance facilities on offer for visitors.
Speaking at that time, Councillor Logue said: “This redevelopment will boost Strathclyde Park as a place to go destination for our communities, while promoting health and sustainability. It also helps provide another significant step towards our net-zero ambitions.
“When complete, the new Watersports Centre will serve as a vibrant community meeting point and outdoor sporting hub and help build on the natural beauty of the park.”
For further details or to comment on these proposals, visit North Lanarkshire Council’s website and search for planning application reference 24/01265/FUL.
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