Start made on Helmsdale MUGA build
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Work has now begun to transform the run-down, old tennis courts in Helmsdale into a much-anticipated, state-of-the-art multi-use games area. (MUGA).
Local contractors have cleared the site and sports facility specialists DOE Sport have now started the build.
Local development officer Mary Stewart said: “We will see lots of activity on site over the next few months as the build progresses.
“There have been a couple of slight setbacks with the weather to date, but we are currently still aiming for a March completion date.”
Helmsdale and District Development Trust, which owns the facility, undertook an extensive community consultation exercise before progressing the £500,000 redevelopment project.
Ms Stewart said: “There is support for this project across the board as many see the benefits that it will provide for all age groups and abilities.”
Trust members have spent the last few years fundraising to meet the costs of the new build. Their task was particularly challenging as the coronavirus pandemic led to an increase in the cost of building materials.
However, sufficient funding was eventually secured from the Jordan Charitable Foundation, Sportscotland, Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, the Robertson Trust, SSE Gordonbush Community Fund and Extension funding and the Highland Coastal Communities Fund.
In addition the local youth club made a contribution.
The site is being converted into a two court, multi-use facility for a range of sports.
It will consist of a 3G astro turf pitch for football, hockey and shinty; along with a porous Macadam surface to faciliate tennis, basketball and netball.
A roof cover is being added on one side, and floodlighting and disability access have been included.
Ms Stewart said: “The addition of floodlights and a covered area will provide much greater opportunity to use the courts all year round.
“At present there is no such facility in the area and as a result there is limited opportunity to take part in many sports over the winter months.
“We hope that the new MUGA will enable sport to prosper in the area and lead to a significant increase in the number of people taking part in sport and exercise.
“We see this development as an exciting opportunity to promote health and wellbeing in our community, significantly adding to the overall opportunity for participation in sport at all levels.”
Ms Stewart added that the new facility would also give a better impression of the village
“The old run-down tennis courts are currently one of the first things you see as you drive into the village from the south,” she said.
“A new facility will give a much improved impression of the village and we hope this will encourage people to stop in Helmsdale and remain in the area longer, which will have a direct impact on local services and businesses, supporting income generation.
“We are conscious of the limited services available to our rural communities in the north of Scotland and it is our aim to put an end to the disadvantages we have been experiencing as a result of this.”
