Trust target end of August for completion of Helmsdale MUGA facility
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The charity behind the development of a £500,000 multi-use games area (MUGA) in Helmsdale has revealed further details of what the facility will offer to the community.
Local Development Officer Mary Stewart believes that the 2 court multi-use facility – which will include floodlighting, a covered area, rebound fencing and disabled access – will promise to be useful for several sports in the area.
The all-weather facility will also consist of a 3G astro turf pitch (for football, hockey or shinty) and a porous macadam surface to facilitate games such as tennis, basketball or netball.
The addition of floodlights and a covered area also presents the opportunity for the courts to be used all year round.
Ms Stewart said: "At present there is no such facility in the area and therefore very limited opportunity to participate in certain sports over the winter months. The MUGA will enable many sports to prosper in the area and will promote and increase numbers participating in sport and exercise significantly.
"Having better facilities in the village will improve the health and wellbeing of our community, help to combat social isolation, and give our young folks greater opportunities to progress in sport to a high level.
"In addition, I believe this facility will bring people into the village and therefore help our small business presence, which is ultimately critical to our economic health and the character of our community."
The Trust has also pledged to ensure "maximum benefit" for Helmsdale primary pupils once the MUGA is open.
It is anticipated that Helmsdale Primary School and Hub will have access to the facility at allocated times to ensure that children receive the "maximum benefit" from having the facility on their doorstep.
Helmsdale and District Development Trust hope that construction of the new facility will be complete by the end of August.
They are now preparing to bring electricity on site, while exploring options for online booking systems.
Ms Stewart added: "The main contractor have completed the earthworks, preparation and drainage and the roof structure has been built over what will become the astro pitch. The next part of the process is for them to come back and complete the surfaces, floodlights and fencing. Thereafter, local contractors will complete the finishing touches.
"In terms of timescales, we have a slight delay at the moment while we wait for DOE to return to complete their part of the job, but they will be back with us at the start of July at the latest. They plan to be clear of the site early August and we will then need a couple of weeks to complete the job. We are currently looking at an end of August completion."
