A state-of-the-art £8.5 million sports complex has been hailed as a “source of ambition for young people” by visionaries delighted to see the facility brought to fruition.
The Riverside Sports Arena, at Craigie in Ayr, was officially opened yesterday, with councillors, sports clubs and groups, and Team GB athlete Callum Hawkins all in attendance to unveil the highly anticipated athletics ground.
The arena features indoor and outdoor spaces including an eight-lane 400m running track, a six-lane 60m indoor running track, and a field events area.
A 3G all-weather pitch, fully accessible changing areas, reception, a café and social area are also part of the facility, situated just beside Ayr Academy.
The development has been hailed as a major investment in North Ayr, as it looks to become a hub for the local community.
Former South Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Campbell first revealed plans for an athletics arena in Craigie back in 2018 and was delighted to see his vision become a reality some five years later.
Mr Campbell said: “When we discussed as an administration that what we wanted to do was to provide here in South Ayrshire something that would give impetus to all those young people in our area who wanted to take part in sport, but especially for those who could go on and become elite sportsmen.
“My ambition for the future is that young people who have got an interest in sport will want to go to Ayr Academy because they’ve got everything on their doorstep; whether it’s rugby, football, athletics or rowing.
“And if we can develop a curriculum of excellence for them to move them on from just enjoying sport to being part of Scotland’s national teams and taking us forward for a better and brighter future.
“I believe will we have something here in North Ayr- among the most deprived communities- that’s going to be a source of ambition for our young people for the future.”
Councillor Martin Dowey, leader of South Ayrshire Council, hailed the complex as “second to none” and said: “There’s been a lack of first-class sports facilities, especially running tracks.
“It was a great vision by Douglas Campbell, and all credit to him.
“It compliments what the council are doing and we’re going to build on that.
“I was here when they were building it but seeing it once it’s finished is second to none.”
Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick added: “It will benefit South Ayrshire’s sporting talent being able to train in a new modern arena.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for all the local athletes that they’ve got a state-of-the-art facility to use.
“And for up and coming athletes, this will encourage them to join and take part.”
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