Since 2009, the council has been working with Giffnock Soccer Centre (GSC) to deliver a 100m by 60m football pitch within the park, and in February, planning application was approved. In addition to the pitch, eight 15m high floodlighting columns and associated fencing were also approved.
Originally, it was thought the facility could be funded through a combination of grant funding and by Giffnock Soccer Centre, but this wasn't possible. The Council subsequently agreed to a financial contribution of £320k during 2012/13. However, additional costs were encountered following the relocation of the pitch from the former tree nursery site to its proposed location between St Ninian's High and Eastwood House.
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As a result, the local authority agreed to provide an additional £93k from the capital reserve for the project.
The council will now make the necessary arrangements to proceed to tender for the construction of the pitch and to finalise lease terms with Giffnock Soccer Centre.
Once constructed, the pitch will be owned by the council but leased to GSC under a 25-year lease. It will then operate, maintain and manage the pitch, with St. Ninian's High School having access to the pitch during the school day and at specified school holiday times during summer and Easter.
(JP/MH)
