We want to deliver a multi-use games area which will enable our younger community to have a safe and dedicated space to participate in sports and exercise.
Estimated Price
200000
The Island of Gigha was purchased by the community in 2002 and the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) was established to manage and develop the island and its assets to benefit its residents. The main objectives of IGHT are to support and deliver the social and economic regeneration of the island. This includes the relief of poverty and unemployment; the advancement of education and training; the provision of workspaces and suitable housing; the provision of recreational facilities and public amenities; and preserve the islands heritage and conserve its natural environment.
Gigha has a population of 170 residents and a current school and nursey roll of 12 children. However, the island has no sports or exercise provisions. The island has many green spaces, however none of these are flat, dry, or accessible enough to enable sports to take place. The island has a Village Hall; however, this is too small, and ceilings are too low for different sports to take place properly. There is no suitable space for after school activities to take place. Due to the island’s location and ferry timetable, residents are unable to participate in sport and physical activity on the mainland. Our young people are deprived of social and sporting opportunities, and in order for the island community to be sustainable we need to retain our young people and encourage families to live and thrive on Gigha.
Kintyre trail falls within the most deprived 20% on the SIMD 2020. Gigha as a community is rurally deprived in the sense of access to public facilities and services. The ferry to the mainland does not sail in the evening therefore residents are restricted in being able to participate or attend any activities held out with the island community. Public transportation on the mainland further restricts island residents’ ability to access or attend such activities due to limited timetables.
IGHT is working in partnership with the Gigha Parent Council and Live Argyll Active Schools and Sport Team to address this issue. The partners have been working together to establish whether there is demand for a sports facility. The Parent Council carried out a community survey and drop-in session which revealed 100% support for a Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) to be delivered. The consultation provided further feedback on the difficulties islanders have with engaging in community sport and physical activity due to the current limitations. The ambition of a MUGA has been further identified within the 10-Year Gigha Community Action Plan, stating “provide appropriate modern sport/ play facilities for resident and visiting children” as one of the community based priority actions.
Following the consultation and discussion with partners, we are now progressing plans to deliver a MUGA, which would be a modest 5-a-side standard court size (36x18m) and positioned in a central and accessible location on the island which is within IGHT’s ownership. The MUGA would have goals and nets included to enable a variety of sports to take place.The pitch would be fenced and have wheelchair access.
We are working with a professional sports facility designer to develop the project. A topography survey and site investigation has already taken place and a planning application has been approved. We are now at the stage of tendering the construction to allow us to finalise costs and progress works on site as soon as possible.
