Sleat Sports Centre feasibility study.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has commissioned a full feasibility study for the proposed new sports complex being planned as an integral part of the ongoing development of Kilbeg Village in Sleat.
The provision of a sports, recreation, health and fitness centre would create a vital and long overdue amenity serving the needs of the people of south Skye and the Sleat Peninsula and provide first class sports and recreation facilities for Sabhal Mòr staff and students. The wider Kilbeg Village masterplan has already enjoyed the overwhelming support of the local community and has received full outline planning consent from the planning authority.
Sabhal Mòr is pleased to announce the appointment of sports consultancy specialists, Alan Jones Associates, to undertake the feasibility study on behalf of the College. Work on the study is already underway and delivery of the final report and business plan is expected by the end of September.
SMO Director of Development, Fundraising and the Arts, Dr Donnie Munro said today, ‘This work will be vital to informing the future plans for the new Sports and Recreation Centre at Kilbeg and an important part of its deliberations will be to undertake extensive public consultations with the local Community Council, the Sleat Community Trust and all potential stakeholder and user groups. Such an important development can really only proceed on the basis of developing strong partnerships and a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of all involved. Sabhal Mòr is delighted to be able to initiate this work and we look forward to receiving the Report’s conclusions and recommendation in due course’.
Alan Jones, Director of the appointed consultancy firm added: “We welcome our appointment to this exciting project and anticipate a strong demand for high quality sports and leisure facilities in Sleat. We look forward to working closely with the local residents, local organisations, and the staff and students of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to help them fulfil their aspirations”.
The proposals have been most enthusiastically welcomed by both the local authority and the local medical practice with the local GP Dr Angus Venters commenting, ‘The health benefits of exercise are well documented and we are in desperate need of this in the larger community, for citizens of all ages’.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal, Prof Boyd Robertson, in welcoming the start of the Feasibility Study said ‘The need for all weather sports and recreation facilities for our students and for the Sleat community has been recognised by College management for some time and is a top priority within the Kilbeg development. The feasibility study will seek the views of our students and staff and of the wider community as to what facilities are desired and will translate these into a realistic and achievable business plan.’
The Feasibility Study is being funded with support from: Big Lottery ‘Investing in Ideas’, Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund, HIE and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.