Tarbert Harbour Authority is seeking to develop a Watercraft Launch/Recovery Slipway and Community Activity Hub that will enhance local tourism, create community engagement and economic opportunities
Estimated Price
3000000
Tarbert Harbour Authority has a bold and strategic ambition to build a Launch and Recovery Sportscraft / Watersports Slipway together with a Community and Watersports Activity Hub. Whilst the Activity Hub and Slipway are linked as a strategic development; for the purposes of funding, build and project managment, they are being treated as distinct projects with individual costs, individual project timescales and individual benefits and outcome profiles. Phase 1 will see the development of a Watercraft Launch & Recovery Slipway, Kayak Pontoon and Boat Laydown Area - £1.5M Phase 2 will see the building of a Community Water Sports and Activity Hub - £1.4M.
The Project utilises a vacant and semi-derelict harbourside development plot to address: A significant health and social gap in terms of water sports, gym and soft play areas and associated learning and development activities. An identified need for orgnanised, safe, educational and affordable access to the above facilities together with a learning area, meeting and events space. Community Facilities are vital for the well-being of rural villages and a community hub/gym combined with a water sports facility can be a game-changer for diverse groups of people. The integration of these amenities not only promotes physical health but also fosters social interaction together with economic growth.
The development of the Community Water Sports Slipway and Activity Hub will provide wide ranging benefits. Adults and children in Tarbert and Loch Fyne's local communities will have accessible opportunites to improve their health, wellbeing, social confidence, learning and skill sets. Local families will benefit from access to safe soft play and early years development stimulus. Young people in education along Loch Fyne will have the opportunity to acquire new experiences, skills and qualifications that will support their social development and provide a platform for demonstrating their capabilities in diverse ways. Visitors to Tarbert and the surrounding area, whether for work or leisure purposes, will be able to relax and participate in safe gym exercise, supervised water-based activities, training and development in sailing and boating to established National Standards. Additional employment opportunities will be directly and indirectly created by this development. The development will be a major step forward in realising the next stage in the village's regeneration and development. Regular exercise is known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, leading to healthier, more product individuals. A well equipped gym provides access to fitness resources, encouraging users to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The gym will cater for a wide range of fitness levels and interests, from beginners to advanced. The Activity Hub will also be used as a training/meeting place for sports clubs/organisations, community groups, school groups, RYA training, activity leaders, famiies and friends.
It is proposed, once all Phase 1 funding is in place, to commence the development of the Launch/Retrieval Watercraft slipway this financial year with a completion date of mid 2026, Phase 2 will follow, when funding allows, and when the final funding matrix is clearer.
Partnerships: We plan to collaborate with:
Argyll & Bute community Council to align with local interests.
Schools and educational institutions to promote learning opportunities.
Local businesses, including bike hire providers and tourism boards, to enhance visitor engagement.
