Scotstoun Stadium (Ward 13) pitch upgrade – Funding and appointment of contractor approved.

4 Councillor Graham, Depute Leader of the Council, presented a report regarding the proposed upgrade of the infield and training/throws areas at Stadium (Ward 13), advising

(1) that Scotstoun Stadium was a multi-sport venue with a focus on and athletics however, the infield grass pitch had proved unreliable during particularly wet winters in sustaining match play for Warriors and as a result 3 fixtures were cancelled during the 2015/16 rugby season and little or no use had been made of the infield for athletics;

(2) that it was proposed that a new synthetic, all weather surface be installed on the stadium infield and that an adjacent grass training pitch be adapted to provide an International Association of Athletics Federations compliant area for training and events for hammer, discus and javelin and that cleaning and repairs works be carried out to the blue running track as well as drainage improvements to the training pitch;

(3) that the overall cost of the infield and training pitch improvements was expected to be £700,000, including a contribution of £275,000 from the Council, with /Scottish Rugby Union and sportscotland having confirmed their funding contributions, however a further contribution of £50,000 was required from this Council for the cleaning and repairs works to the blue running track and the drainage improvements; and

(4) of the expected benefits of the proposed upgrade of the infield and training/throws areas.

After consideration, the committee

(a) noted the proposals made to improve the infield and the training/throws areas at Scotstoun Stadium; and

(b) approved

(i) capital funding of up to £325,000 to:-

(A) replace the grass surface in the stadium infield with an IRB compliant synthetic grass surface;

(B) make improvements to the adjacent rugby/athletics training pitch to enhance athletics training capacity and create a new throws area; and

(C) carry out repairs to the outdoor running track and drainage improvements needed to the training pitch/athletics throws area; and

(ii) the appointment of City Building (Glasgow) to carry out the works up to the value of £750,000.