Adventure Oban's Big Bike Weekend comes to Atlantis' Front Pitch!
Proposal code:
AP-2025-05-81
Replacing the 27 year old front outdoor pitch at Atlantis Leisure to create a safe, accessible space for schools, clubs, and the wider Oban community to enjoy outdoor sport and physical activity.
Estimated Price
98000
Atlantis Leisure is a vibrant, community-run health and wellbeing hub in the heart of Oban. For over 30 years, we’ve been a lifeline for locals of all ages - a place where toddlers learn to swim, teens train with sports clubs, adults improve their fitness and older residents stay active and connected. A registered charity and social enterprise, every penny we earn is reinvested into improving our facilities and programmes. Parts of our centre are over 50 years old but with over 150,000 visits a year and no other facility like it within 95 miles, Atlantis isn’t just a leisure centre — it’s the beating heart of our community.
1. What do you want to do?
We propose to replace and upgrade the end-of-life 27 year old front pitch at Atlantis Leisure. This work will include a full rebuild of the playing surface and associated infrastructure to bring it back into regular community use.
This is the final phase of a larger outdoor redevelopment initiative begun several years ago, which previously included the refurbishment of the tennis courts. The front pitch was not included in those works due to budget limitations.
The new facility will be accessible year-round by local schools, sports clubs, youth programmes, and informal groups. Activities that have been displaced indoors due to lack of suitable outdoor space—often resulting in increased heating costs and lower capacity—will once again have a dedicated space.
This work will be delivered in partnership with Sportex Group, a specialist contractor already successfully used for previous Atlantis surface projects.
2. Why is your project needed?
Outdoor space at Atlantis is critically limited. The front pitch is end of life, and the back pitch is subject to a noise nuisance order restricting its use to supervised under-16s. These constraints mean local groups, clubs, and schools have far fewer opportunities for outdoor play, training, and physical activity.
Feedback gathered via consultation with former users, new community groups, and the wider public confirmed strong demand for this facility. Many clubs and groups indicated they would return immediately upon completion.
This project also aligns with the wider strategic aims of Argyll and Bute Council, including:
Our Children, Their Future: Supporting young people’s positive development through play and sport.
Argyll & Bute Economic Strategy: Enhancing community assets to attract events, participants, and economic activity.
National Outcomes for Scotland: Encouraging inclusion, health, and engagement.
3. What positive changes will your project bring about?
Increased Participation: More people, of all ages, will have access to safe, high-quality outdoor activity space.
Improved Health: Supports mental and physical wellbeing through sport, recreation, and social interaction.
Youth Development: Strengthens Atlantis’ role in school and youth programming.
Event Hosting: Restored capacity to host national-level events and seasonal programmes.
Operational Efficiency: Reduces indoor crowding and energy use by moving suitable activities outside.
Social Inclusion: Provides space that is open to all, reducing barriers to participation.
4. How long will your project run for?
The project is expected to begin in April 2026 and will be completed by August 2026, pending funding. Work can begin immediately as the site is dormant and consents are in place. The contractor is ready to commence within this timeline.
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