Planning officers approved council's Strathclyde Park watersports refurbishment project
Planning officers have approved North Lanarkshire Council's planned refurbishment project at the water sports facility in Strathclyde Country Park.
The revamp, which will include building a new extension over the roof terrace and provision of new charging points for electric vehicles, has formally received planning permission.
The popular outdoor attraction, which was a venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European rowing and triathlon championships, has been earmarked as a world class, low carbon 'Park of the Future'.
The refurbishment is intended to further boost the facility's appeal as a venue for top level competitions while also providing educational activities and opportunities for schools and community groups.
The project is also an important element of the Net Zero by 2030 initiative.
A new cafe will also be created to increase passing trade, while the design will also add significant improvements to the building's energy efficiency.
A key element of North Lanarkshire Council's regeneration project is to reduce the building's carbon footprint by at least 80 per cent by retro-fitting super-efficient insulation and generating energy from a heat pump in the loch and from solar panels on the roof.
Increased electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be provided along with better cycle storage and refreshed changing rooms, encouraging active and low carbon travel to the site.
'The Watersports Centre building has provided a base for activities at the park for 50 years and this transformative project will give it a bright new future,' said Councillor Helen Loughran, convener of the council's Environment and Climate Change Committee.
'We will reduce its carbon footprint, making the building more efficient and sustainable to run, and provide multi-purpose spaces for community groups and others to use as well as creating spaces for small businesses.'
The first stage of work has started to improve the building entrance and access, ahead of the main work within the Watersports Centre building in the autumn. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2027.
Ryan Broadley, Managing Director of Linear Design and Construct, who are carrying out the building works, said: 'We're really pleased to be working with North Lanarkshire Council and hub South West on this retrofit project.
'As a local contractor, it means a lot to be involved in work at Strathclyde Park, a spot that's close to home and loved by many of our team.'
Tom McEwan, Development Manager at hub South West, who are helping organise the project, said: 'This milestone marks the redevelopment of Strathclyde Water Sports Centre. It represents a major investment in community wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusive access to sport.
'At hub South West, we're proud to collaborate with North Lanarkshire Council and our delivery partners, Linear to breathe new life into this important facility.
'Reimagining and reusing existing public assets is central to our mission, and this project is a great example of how strategic refurbishment and retrofit can create long-term value for both people and place.'
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