Allander Leisure Centre: the facts
"I have listed below the information from the Local Plan and drawn on evidence given at the
Public Inquiry to try to clarify the position".
Keith Small, chairman of Bearsden North Community Council
1. The Local Plan, published in February 2005, (the plan is intended to be valid until at least
2010). * Schedule UC2C », describes what the development of the site should deliver, for example;
rail halt, retain West of Scotland, affordable housing, etc. There is no mention of a need for a
new leisure centre.
2. Section 3.4 of the Local Plan deals with Community and Leisure facilities. Table CF 1 makes a
statement about new and improved leisure facilities.
The Council will assess local needs and demands for leisure, recreation and cultural activities
through a strategy for leisure and halls facilities. Subject to the availability of finance, and in
partnership with the private sector, the Council aims to provide an improved range of facilities.
The future of various civic buildings, land and property will be assessed by the Council with a
view to determining the optimum provision of local leisure and recreational facilities. The following
lists those new and improved facilities which are currently programmed or being actively
investigated:
In relation to the Allander it states:
Allander, The facilities were upgraded in Winter 2001/02. Further enhancement of the Sports
Centre for improved sport and leisure uses will be considered by the Council, particularly in view
of the mixed use development proposals at Kilmardinny as identified in Schedule UC 2C.
So, subject to the availability of finance and in partnership with the private sector the council will
aim to provide an improved range of facilities.
3. A report dated April 2008, gave details of a survey of the Allander. It concluded that the overall
condition of the Allander was satisfactory- performing as intended but exhibiting minor detritions.
AND
The mechanical and electrical services were reported as poor- exhibiting major defects and or
operating as intended.
4. The Council stated in evidence at the Inquiry that with capital expenditure of around £3
million pounds, the facility could be kept open for a period of 30 years.
5. It has been stated that the Allander must be demolished to provide space for the
planned rail halt and park and ride. No evidence has been produced to prove that
statement. The original proposals by the developers in 2004 stated that the rail halt would be
situated adjacent to the existing Allander.
6. The developers offered to pay £10 million towards the cost of a new centre. The specification
for the new facility was estimated at £17 million.
7. The developers also proposed a condition that if the money was not expended within 3 years
then the Council must repay the £10 million, plus interest, within one month.
In conclusion, if the Reporter's conditions were implemented the Allander would be
demolished, the community would have no facilities for several years. The Council would
have to find £7 million plus to provide a replacement. You may ask how the Council would find
this money. If the Council cannot find £7 million plus then presumably a smaller facility would be
proposed. Remember the Local Plan,paragraph 2 above, requires improved range of facilities, not
less.
If the Council cannot spend the £10 million in 3 years they must repay the money, plus interest,
leaving the community with NOTHING.
Councillor Simon Hutchison stated at the Inquiry that it took 11 years to provide a new Leisure
Centre in Kirkintilloch.
The Community has every right to be very concerned about the implications of the Reporter's
decision and our Councillors must make every effort to challenge it. The decision is flawed and
fails to deliver many requirements of the Local Plan and Government policy.