Halkirk Sports and Community Complex Development - 2010-2011

Contents:- -Intro-|-17/09/10-|-24/09/10-

Introduction - 19/07/10

CONTRACTORS are gearing up to start on the first phase of a proposed major sports and community complex in Halkirk.

The £450,000 scheme involves the provision of a floodlit grass football pitch, together with drainage work and car parking.

It is going ahead in Morrison Park, the field between the village playing fields and the main road.

The voluntary group behind the venture had by now hoped to have created an indoor sports hub to serve Caithness and North Sutherland. But that remains on the drawing board while efforts continue to underwrite the current funding shortfall.

Some of the Halkirk Community Sports Foundation (HCSF).

Billy Manson, who chairs Halkirk Community Sports Foundation (HCSF), yesterday said it has decided to go ahead in two phases.

Work on the new football pitch and associated works is scheduled to start on August 2. It is being bankrolled by HCSF's own funds.

The foundation got a major boost soon after its launch four years ago with a £1.28 million donation from Caithness-exile Andrew Sinclair.

Mr Manson said he and the rest of the management committee remain firmly committed to progressing with the indoor complex, estimated to cost about £3.5m.

He said: 'The hold-up in completing the funding package has been very frustrating and we've had to learn by experience. But it's a facility that remains badly needed in this area.

'Apart from sports clubs, it would provide a valuable new community venue as it could hold over 1000 people.'

HCSF suffered a setback after having its £1m application to the Scottish Regional Development Programme turned down.

It is bidding to reach its target by securing pledges from a mix of public and private sector funders.

The new 60 by 40 metre hall would feature a floodlit, new-generation, artificial-grass playing surface with associated fitness and multi-purpose community rooms and changing area.

The first turf of the initial phase of Halkirk's sports complex was cut recently when major donor Andrew Sinclair was in the county.

The complex has been mooted for a number of other uses such as the home of a local heritage centre and motor museum.

Mr Manson believes that getting the first phase under way will help build momentum for the project.

He said: 'There's no doubt that once the diggers move in and people see work under way that it will help us pave the way for phase two.'

Phase one is being undertaken by Wick firm MM Miller; Stirling-based sports turf specialists Greentec; and the Highland Council's lighting department.

above photos & report provided by jamesgunn.co.uk

How it used to look.

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