Plans to build new sports centre in Thurso are on track
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CAMPAIGNERS looking to build a £2 million sports complex in Thurso insist that their plans are still on track.
Those behind Thurso Community Sports Hub (TCSH) are looking to hold meetings as soon as possible to progress their proposal to to build a sports hall and 400-metre running track at Viewfirth.
Designs for the development were revealed two years ago and senior representatives from SportScotland met with TCSH members and sports groups at Thurso High School last week to discuss how the plans can move forward.
TCSH chairman Phil Cartwright said that more than 30 people from sports clubs in Caithness were at the meeting where he said there was unanimous support for the scheme to proceed.
He hopes the organisation will soon be in a position to attract funding to turn the dream into reality.
He said: “We are speaking with sportscotland about the support for the project and held a meeting with them so they could get further feedback from the people in the community.
“The meeting was attended by representatives from a lot of the sports clubs that are also members of the community sports hub.
“Each of the clubs explained to sportscotland why a new sports facility was required.
“It was agreed to make arrangements for sportscotland to attend meetings with potential funding bodies for this facility.
“We believe it is so important to the overall community and attractiveness of Caithness in moving to the area.
“There will be further meetings with a view to taking the project forward.
“The project can’t move without the right level of funding and it is important that potential funders know that the project is going to move forward.”
Five locations were considered to build the complex. The others were: Thurso High School playing fields; Naver Playing Fields; the former Thurso Mart site; and the former golf driving range at Ormlie.
A Highland Council commissioned study of the sites found Viewfirth the best location though it was not considered suitable for a full-scale six-lane running track
TCSH has obtained funding to carry out groundworks and demonstrate that the area of land was suitable for its plans.
Some householders who live close to the proposed development have objected to the building application.
