Plans for improved sports facilities in Viewpark achieved a milestone as we agreed a Community Asset Transfer for St Patrick’s Sports Academy to buy local pitches.
The Academy will take over ownership of the Burnhead Park Sports Pitches, behind the community centre, to create a central hub for their players, coaches and families as well as for wider community use.
Improvement work to the facilities will be carried out in phases, with an upgrade to the pitches and a new pump track planned first.
St Patrick’s then have plans to create multiuse recreation areas for outdoor activities that can be used by the wider community and encourage participation in sport. The academy will carry out engagement with local people to inform the development.
Their plans aim to increase capacity for the benefit of current players, families and coaches and for additional targeted work, for example with girls, young people with Additional Support Needs, and creation of a walking football team.
“St Patrick’s Sports Academy presented a clear, positive plan for the redevelopment of the Burnhead Park Sport Pitches which will offer benefits for players, teams and the local community,” said Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of the Communities Committee.
“I am delighted the council has been able to support their ambitions with the Community Asset Transfer, and I look forward to seeing the project develop.”
St Patrick’s said: “This is a major step forward for St Patrick’s Sports Academy and for Viewpark. Our vision is to create much more than improved sports facilities – we want to build an inclusive community hub that creates opportunities and brings people together for generations to come.”
Formal decision notices will be issued and published shortly, allowing the legal transfer process to begin.