Together with Tier 1 contractor CCG (Scotland) Ltd, work began on the Glasgow-based Collective Architecture-designed project in March this year with a completion date of Autumn 2022. Design team members include TCS Construction Consultants, David Narro Associates, Clancy Consultants and Hirst Landscape Architects.

The new facility, adjacent to Kilbirnie Loch in the Garnock Valley, will comprise a two-storey building with an outdoor terrace overlooking the rugby pitches as well as a café area that is able to accommodate sixty covers with kitchen, a community room, and an office.

On the lower ground floor there will be six changing rooms for the use of Garnock Rugby Club and other sports clubs and community groups, a physiotherapy room, an officials’ changing area and direct access onto the two pitches.

Grants from several funders have assisted in securing the delivery of the project. These include the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Scottish Enterprise, Sport Scotland, Land Trust, and the Garnock Rugby Club.

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West, said: “hub South West has assembled a team of seasoned professionals whom we are confident will bring this important community facility to fruition.

“This building is part of an overall development plan for the site which is intended to attract visitors from all over Ayrshire and beyond.”  

David Wylie of CCG (Scotland) Ltd said: “The Garnock Visitor & Community Hub is set to become a valuable asset to the local community and the wider region of North Ayrshire. CCG is delighted to be involved and we look forward to working with our partners over the next 18 months.”

Jonita Karablikova, project architect at Collective Architecture, said: “It is a great opportunity and pleasure to work in collaboration with North Ayrshire Council, hub South West and the CCG team in creating, designing and delivering an exemplary facility and a destination focusing on the health and wellbeing of the local and wider community. The building offers a warm, refined welcome for visitors and locals alike, providing a base for outdoor activities and events within the parkland.”

Janet Dunsmore, North Ayrshire Council’s regeneration manager, added: “We are delighted to be working with the hub South West team on this exciting project for the Garnock Valley, which will deliver fantastic facilities at Lochshore for our local community and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the wider Parkland.”