The Quay Zone, a £5.4 million sports and leisure facility looking out over the much-loved Girvan seafront, was completed ahead of schedule, and is to be operated by SCCL on behalf of South Ayrshire Council.

Due for an April opening, the new facility will provide much-needed leisure and community facilities across the area, including a gym, flexible multipurpose studio spaces, a 25m swimming pool, soft play area, community space and a café.

The Quay Zone’s name and logo were chosen by way of competition, which was won by Ballantrae resident, Robert Whittington. Robert, a gardener at Glennapp Castle Hotel, won a free year’s membership at the flagship facility.

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West, said: “The handover of this long-awaited leisure centre is a momentous occasion for the communities of Girvan and South Carrick.

“As a multi-purpose development, enhanced wonderfully by stunning views of the Ailsa Craig, the Quay Zone will offer members and families a warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as access to the very best leisure facilities.

“It will be fantastic to see local residents enjoying all the Quay Zone has to offer once it opens its doors this spring.”

Ken Johnstone, chair of SCCL, said: “We are very excited about taking on our new role as the operators of the Quay Zone and are gearing up to get everything going now we have the keys.

“We’ve come this far together and I know we can really make this work, so be sure to get on board and help us put Girvan, South Carrick and the Quay Zone well and truly on the map.”

Additional funding for the facility has come from a variety of sources, including SportScotland and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, the William Grant Foundation and the Hadyard Hill Community Benefit Fund.