Leisure and Wellbeing: a Local Facilities Strategy

Leisure and Wellbeing: A Local Facilities Strategy

Alan Jones Associates - March 2016 Table of Contents 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 3 2 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 3 CONTEXT OF THE BRIEF ...... 5 4 METHODOLOGY ...... 6 5 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ...... 8 5.1 CONSULTATION OVERVIEW ...... 8 5.2 CONSULTATION ONE: SURVEY OF INDIVIDUALS, SPORTS GROUPS AND ORGANISATION ...... 9 5.3 CONSULTATION TWO: GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORT ...... 19 5.4 CONSULTATION THREE: KEY STAKEHOLDERS ...... 19 6 AUDIT OF SUPPLY FACILITIES ...... 25 6.1 HUNTLY SWIMMING POOL ...... 26 6.2 THE RHYNIE HALL ...... 29 6.3 THE HUNTLY NORDIC AND OUTDOOR CENTRE ...... 31 6.4 HUNTLY ALL WEATHER PITCH AND PAVILION ...... 33 6.5 COOPER PARK AND COOPER PARK PAVILION ...... 35 6.6 MARKET MUIR PITCHES AND PAVILION ...... 37 6.7 YTHANWELLS VILLAGE HALL ...... 39 6.8 THE LINDEN CENTRE ...... 41 6.9 THE GORDON PRIMARY SCHOOL ...... 44 6.10 THE GORDON SECONDARY SCHOOL ...... 46 6.11 SCHOOL PITCHES ...... 48 6.12 HUNTLY GUIDE HALL ...... 49 6.13 GLASS HALL ...... 51 6.14 HUNTLY SCOUT HUT ...... 52 6.15 HUNTLY CRICKET CLUB ...... 55 6.16 RIFLE RANGE ...... 57 6.17 JESSIMAN DANCE STUDIO ...... 59 6.18 STEWART’S HALL ...... 61 6.19 HUNTLY GOLF CLUB ...... 63 6.20 MEADOWS PITCHES ...... 65 6.21 CAIRNIE MEMORIAL HALL ...... 66 6.22 CHRISTIE PARK ...... 68 7 SUMMARY OF DEMAND AND SUPPLY ...... 70 8 LINKS TO WIDER POLICIES AND STRATEGIES ...... 71 8.1 ACTIVE SCOTLAND OUTCOMES ...... 71 8.2 LET’S MAKE SCOTLAND MORE ACTIVE...... 73 8.3 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S 2014 LEGACY PLAN ...... 73 8.4 REACHING HIGHER: BUILDING ON THE SUCCESS OF SPORT 21 ...... 73 8.5 PREVENTING OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN SCOTLAND: A ROUTE MAP TOWARDS HEALTHY WEIGHT... 74 8.6 START ACTIVE, STAY ACTIVE ...... 74 8.7 TAKE LIFE ON ...... 74 9 THE CONCEPT OF WELLNESS ...... 75 10 INSPIRING EXAMPLES ...... 77 10.1 MINTLAW AND CENTRAL BUCHAN INITIATIVE (MACBI) ...... 77 10.2 THE AXIS CENTRE NEWMACHAR ...... 81 11 SITE CONSIDERATION ...... 84 11.1 SITE OPTIONS ...... 84 11.2 SITE OPTIONS APPRAISAL ...... 85 12 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 88

1 13 APPENDICES ...... 89 13.1 APPENDIX ONE: SCHOOL HALL USAGE TIMETABLE ...... 89 13.2 APPENDIX TWO: CONSULTATION COMMENTS IN FULL ...... 90 13.3 APPENDIX THREE: FURTHER GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS ...... 94 13.4 APPENDIX FOUR: EMAIL FROM SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE ...... 95

2 1 Executive summary and recommendations

Huntly & District Development Trust’s (HDDT) mission is to work with others to build a resilient, inclusive enterprising community capable of dealing with ongoing change. Our community is defined by the AB54 postcode sector.

A key deliverable within the Trust’s mission is the instigation of projects that support the improvement of the health and wellbeing of the AB54 population.

In May 2014, HDDT hosted a successful consultation event to understand the community’s successes, failings and future needs with regard to Sport and physical facilities in the AB54 area. The principle action that came from this event was the need to establish the ongoing and future identifiable community requirements as well as a detailed assessment of the current physical facilities.

HDDT applied to the Scottish Government’s Legacy 2014 programme for funding to support and carry out a detailed study into providing an evidence based approach to the development and management of facilities for sport and physical activity in the AB54 postcode area over the medium term.

As a result of a formal tendering process, Alan Jones Associates (AJA), strategic leisure consultants, were appointed to deliver this study. The reporting process is split into two separate but interrelated stages. Stage 1: Needs Analysis

 Phase A: Audit of existing sports and recreation facilities in the AB54 area using existing data, club information and community engagement  Phase B: Survey and analysis of demand, including unmet, latent, dispersed demand, highlighting the need for sports and recreation facilities across AB54  Phase C: Review of existing national, strategic and local policies for sport and recreation, and relevant examples of good practice from elsewhere.  Phase D: Identification of surpluses, shortfalls, issues and options  Phase E: Options appraisal and recommendations on selected option(s) to progress to Stage 2, if any.

Stage 2: Feasibility Study

Subject to the findings and recommendation of Stage 1, HDDT will discuss with Legacy 2014/Robertson Trust Fund whether the project should proceed to Stage 2.

In Stage 2, AJA will support HDDT in providing more detailed designs, robust costings and revenue streams, identify likely funding sources and a sustainable business model for managing the facility or facilities required. The aim of Stage 2 will be to progress at least one of the options identified to Stage 3, where funding and any consents required can be secured.

The following report outlines the findings of Stage 1.

3 This report includes the audited findings of the existing facilities in Huntly and the surrounding AB54 area. AJA consulted with individuals, sports and leisure groups, and other key stakeholders to determine the quantity, quality and accessibility of leisure facilities in the AB54 postcode. It has been acknowledged throughout that the drive behind this report is to focus not only on sport and sports clubs, but on the wider leisure and wellbeing community, as was evidenced by the breadth of facilities and groups consulted.

At an early stage in this review process, the concept of a community sports hub was discussed. It was noted that the concept of a sports hub already existed in Huntly and a range of facilities were already provided by local clubs and groups. It was agreed that rather than have a single site physical sports hub, that the concept of a “virtual sports hub” maybe more appropriate for Huntly. This philosophy has informed the strategy throughout.

Huntly and its surrounding AB54 postcode area is relatively well provided for in terms of built facilities and public open spaces across a broad spectrum of sports, leisure and wellbeing facilities. These facilities are underpinned with sporting success, with several athletes representing their country in various sports.

It was also noted that there are a number of sports and sports clubs that have plans to further develop their own facilities for their respective sports, notably football, rugby and cricket. This strategy acknowledges this forward thinking and hopes that its recommendations will impact positively on those plans already being considered.

It has also been recognized that existing community facilities within The Gordon Schools are in high demand. There has often been a misconception that these are unavailable or difficult to access, however, the evidence points to the contrary and that these facilities are heavily booked and well used, justifying the potential for additional new indoor community facilities.

Recomendation 1. Based on evidence of need, facilities audit, consultation and community feedback, it is recommended that the first priority should be an indoor community facility comprising of a main hall, dance studio and fitness suite, social space, meeting rooms and changing facilities which would also service an outdoor, floodlight, MUGA area or equivalent.

Recomendation 2. Based on the options appraisal (Section 11) we are recommending the Meadows as the preferred location for any new facility. This will be subject to the full implementation of the Council’s flood prevention scheme, planning, roads and car parking considerations.

Recomendation 3. It is recommended that Huntly Sports Trust, supported by HDDT, be considered as the appropriate legal entity for progressing and developing the project, and ultimately becoming the owners of the new facilities.

Recomendation 4. It is recommended that architects be given a brief on which they can prepare detailed costed design options.

4 2 Introduction

The market town of Huntly is located on the western edge of Aberdeenshire on the main road and rail corridor between Aberdeen and Inverness. It acts as the rural service centre for the wider AB54 postcode area, which has a population of approximately 11,500 inhabitants, including Huntly.

Huntly and District Development Trust (HDDT) is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. The Trust works with a wide range of partners to make Huntly and District, as defined by the AB54 postcode area, a better place to live, work and visit.

HDDT was established in 2009 and has over 400 members. At time of this report, it is steered by a voluntary Board of 11 Directors/Trustees and employs 4 FT/PT staff. HDDT is currently undertaking a wide range of initiatives, including development of renewable energy projects, a community farm and a green and active transport scheme.

From this process, HDDT has identified that there are over 60 differing sporting clubs/organisations and physical activity groups. These organisations offer a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, from novice to elite and range from small informal clubs of fewer than 10 members to clubs/organisations with well over 100 members.

3 Context of the brief

Huntly and District Development Trust have developed their initial consultation feedback in May 2014 regarding the creation of a sports hub for Huntly and widened to embrace the concept of a virtual community hub rather than a narrower sports hub definition.

The scope for this phase of the work identified the following key areas for progressing this stage of the project.

Phase A: Audit of existing sports and recreation facilities in the AB54 area using existing data, club information and community engagement

Phase B: Survey and analysis of demand, including unmet, latent, dispersed demand, highlighting the need for sports and recreation facilities across AB54

Phase C: Review of existing national, strategic and local policies for sport and recreation, and relevant examples of good practice from elsewhere.

Phase D: Identification of surpluses, shortfalls, issues and options

Phase E: Options appraisal and recommendations on selected option(s) to progress to Stage 2, if any.

5 4 Methodology

It was decided to use Sport England’s Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide for Indoor and Outdoor sports facilities as the model on which the strategy is built. This decision was based on the consideration that SportScotland’s Facilities Planning Model can provide consistent and objective analysis across sports halls (at least 3 badminton court size), full sized synthetic pitches and swimming pools. However, in the AB54 postcode area, there are only one of each of these, the sports hall at the Gordon Secondary School, the artificial pitch at the the Meadows and Huntly Swimming Pool.

It was agreed with Huntly and District Development Trust that a model was required with greater “reach”, covering more than just sports facilities and the principles underpinning the Sport England model of enhancing, protecting and providing were more appropriately suited to the rural AB54 area.

Sport England’s planning objectives are to seek to PROTECT sports facilities from loss as a result of redevelopment; to ENHANCE existing facilities through improving their quality, accessibility and management; and to PROVIDE new facilities that are fit for purpose to meet demands for participation now and in the future.

Phase A: Audit of existing sports and recreation facilities in the AB54 area using existing data, club information and community engagement.

 An audit of existing facilities was undertaken and the results appear in the Audit Table within this report. Within each facility audit, an assessment has been made as to if the facility should be PROTECTED, ENHANCED or PROVIDED.

6  When this information was then considered along with the feedback from the various public consultations a position was arrived at as to what the main priorities should be for investing in community facilities.

Phase B: Survey and analysis of demand, including unmet, latent, dispersed demand, highlighting the need for sports and recreation facilities across AB54.

 Three types of surveys were made available online with hard copies being posted out to those who did not have internet access. These were Group/Club survey, Individual survey and Scottish Governing Body survey.

 In addition, an open public meeting was held to seek the wider community’s views.

Phase C: Review of existing national, strategic and local policies for sport and recreation, and relevant examples of good practice from elsewhere.

 Links to all relevant local, regional and national strategies have been made.

 Site visits were carried out to nearby facilities in Mintlaw (MACBI) and the Axis Centre in Newmachar to investigate how these projects have been developed.

Phase D: Identification of surpluses, shortfalls, issues and options

 From the data gathered surpluses, shortfalls, issues and options were identified.

Phase E: Options appraisal and recommendations on selected option(s) to progress to Stage 2, if any.

 Following an options appraisal, a preferred option for taking forward to Stage 2 was clearly identified.

7 5 Community Consultation

5.1 Consultation Overview

Supporting the creation of a strategy requires thorough local consultation on what community needs and aspirations are along with how these can be supported by evidence gathered through consultation. Community consultation was carried out in three main parts:

Consultation One: Survey of individuals, sports groups and organisations. Two similar surveys, one for groups and another for individuals, were distributed to the wider AB54 community including local sports clubs, community organizations and individuals.

Consultation Two: Consultation of Governing Bodies of Sport. To ensure any planning and strategy resulting from this report aligns with key planning objectives in the sports and leisure field, 19 Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport were consulted, seeking their overall views on aspects of facilities provision at present, any key links to their facility development plans, and any other comment or observation that may be considered about facilities provision as affects their sports.

Consultation Three: Consultation meetings with key stakeholder organisations. Face to face meetings were held with representatives of a number of key stakeholder groups. These groups were identified as being central to the creation of any facility development strategy and key to understanding other aspects of Huntly, as it is now, and might be in the future.

In addition, several local groups had already begun to review the facilities they utilise and some groups were advanced in taking their plans forward (Football, Rugby, Scouts) therefore it was deemed appropriate to engage with these groups and their future vision.

The groups consulted included:  Aberdeenshire Council – 3 Local Elected Members  Aberdeenshire Council – Officers from Education, Infrastructure, and Leisure  The Gordon Schools (Primary & Secondary)  Huntly Football Club  Huntly Rugby Football Club  Networks of Wellbeing  Huntly Scouts Group  Stewarts Hall  Other Key Stakeholders (Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Paths for All).

Consultation Four: Open Public Meeting An open public meeting was held on 2nd December 2015 in Huntly Golf Club. The meeting was attended by around 40 representatives who had the opportunity to add to the consultation process and to make their views known.

8 5.2 Consultation One: Survey of Individuals, Sports Groups and Organisation

1. What Sport(s) or Leisure Activities do you represent?

Bringing together the results from both the individual surveys, and those completed by sports, leisure groups and organization representatives, it can be concluded that the following sports and leisure activities have participated actively in the consultation.

 Badminton  Kettle Bells  Canoeing  Kick Boxing  Cricket  Netball  Disabled Sports  Performing Arts  Dog Sports  Rugby  Football  Running, Jogging and Cross Country  Girl Guides  Scouts  Group Exercise  Skating  Gym and Fitness  Swimming  Highland Dance  Triathlon  Horse Riding

2. What Club or Organization do you represent?

Further to the broad range of sports and activities represented by the respondents, the following clubs, groups and organisations are also noted as having been represented in this consultation process.

 Aberdeen FC Community Trust  Huntly Health Centre  Armstrong Physiotherapy  Huntly Health Walk Group  Aurora Music  Huntly Hillwalking Club  Cabrach Community Association  Huntly Jubilee Hospital  Community Links  Huntly Netball Club  Cycling Huntly  Huntly Nordic Ski Club  Deveron Arts  Scottish Joggers  Dudendance Theatre  Huntly OAP Social Club  Friends of Market Muir  Huntly Rugby Football Club  Girl Guiding UK – Clash North District  Huntly Scout Group  Glass Community Action Group  Huntly Sports Trust  Glass SWI  Ladies Badminton Club  Grampian Opportunities  NHS Grampian  Huntly Amateur Swimming Club  Rhynie Walking to Health Group  Huntly FC: Youth Development  The Forestry Commission

9 3. Does Your Club Own, Lease or Hire These Facilities?

Own 27%

Lease 4%

Hire 69%

4. What venues do you use to participate in your activities?

Gartly Hall The Acorn OAP Hall, Church St No 14 The Square, Rhynie Library Jessiman Studio HCC Grounds Golf Club Cooper Park Church hall Cairnie Hall Bowling Club Astoturf - Keith Scout Hall School Playing Fields Guide Hut Glass Hall Clashandaroch trails All Weather Meadows Pitches Market Muir All Weather Pavilio Swimming Pool Ski Centre Linden Centre School Hall Stewart's Hall

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

10 5. Do these facilities adequately meet you or your Group’s needs? 80% of respondents reported that Yes the facilities did not meet their 2% needs. Individual respondents highlight the lack of space in some venues, particularly for badminton courts, the lack of N/A shower and changing facilities in 18% venues partly used for exercise, and the lack of adequate floodlighting in outside pitches and spaces. Comment was also passed that the fitness equipment No available is outdated, however it is 80% recognized that work is underway to replace the equipment at the swimming pool at present.

In reference to the group responses, a number of respondents highlighted a lack of dedicated female changing / shower facilities in the pavilions available, as well as a lack of disabled access. A general theme in comments also suggested that many of the team sports represented struggle for space when using the indoor facilities in the school, and the outdoor pitches and associated changing spaces.

6. Do you think these are provided LOCALLY to the standards you require?

Overall, 51% of respondents do not feel the facilities are up to required standards for their group’s sport or leisure activity.

From the individual responses, factors such as the lack of adequate flooring, poor heating, lack of social spaces at changing pavilions and the need for better line markings on courts and pitches were cited.

With respect to the groups and clubs, it is also noted that a number of the groups feel the facilities available to them are not big enough or are in need of upgrading.

It was also noted that there is a need to upgrade or replace the artificial as it is no longer fit for purpose.

11 7. How often do you or your group use these facilities for Training / Rehearsal?

0 Daily 2/3 Times per Weekly Monthly Less than Monthly N/A week

As this chart shows, the survey has found that the majority of sports, leisure and wellbeing users are using facilities 2-3 times per week, with a significant number also accessing them daily or weekly. This strengthens the suggestion that there is a strong active sports and leisure population in the town.

The majority of those selecting non-applicable represented groups and organizations, which provide facilities, health services and education in their area.

12 8. How do you rate the quality of the facilities and equipment that you use?

The majority of the respondents (57%) feel that the facilities they use are of average Very quality, with 23% rating them as very good Poor, Good, and only 20% poor. 20% 23%

It was noted that some facilities are felt to be in the best location, however some would benefit from investment in upgrading. Some groups are using facilities that are less suited for purpose that would be ideal, and that some facilities have benefited from recent upgrades and refurbishments. Individual survey respondents suggest that although the facilities are acceptable, many people and clubs are using whatever they can get and often the floor, the size, or the storage, changing and showering facilities are not of the highest quality. A number of respondents Average, have suggested that better indoor sporting 57% space with ancillary facilities is required.

9. How do you rate the quantity of the facilities and equipment that you use?

The majority (56%) feel the quantity of facilities available is average, with 24% rating very good, and only 20% poor.

A number of groups feel restricted Poor 20% in what equipment they own due to Very Good limited storage. Quantity of 24% facilities was reported as being high, but it was noted that quality was low. Respondents representing outdoor pursuits have reiterated the abundance of paths, trails and routes available in the surrounding Average area, however quality remains an 56% issue.

13 10. How do you rate the accessibility of the facilities that you use?

44% of all respondents rated the accessibility of the facilities they use as very good, 30% average, and 26% poor. Poor 26% Very Good 44%

Average 30%

11. How do you rate the affordability of the facilities that you use?

41% felt that the facilities were very affordable and 41% felt they were reasonably affordable, leaving the remaining 18% of the opinion that the facilities they used were relatively expensive. Relatively expensive 18% Very affordable 41%

Reasonabl y affordable 41%

14 12. If you are using facilities outside Huntly how far do you have to travel?

In general terms, a mixed response from travelling to and from Aberdeen to some of the smaller villages was not uncommon, and for many this meant a trip of 40 – 50 miles.

13. How do you travel to these facilities?

Other

Walk

Cycle

Public Transport

Car

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

With the exception of overseas travel (for competition) the majority of respondents’ travel to facilities by car, however the additional comments suggest that car sharing is common. Walking is the second most popular method, relating predominantly to those within Huntly using the town centre facilities, and those in smaller surrounding villages using their village halls. It is also noted that many teams require to hire a coach for competition and training trips – this has been assumed in the “other” category.

15 14. How safe do you feel using these facilities?

It is clear that the majority of Not safe respondents (74%) feel very safe using 3% their chosen facilities. 23% feel reasonably safe and only 3% have responded that they do not feel safe. Reasonab Positive comments highlighted the ly safe availability of trained staff in the 23% swimming pool, the sufficient lighting around the Market Muir and the access Very safe to the indoor facilities. For those who 74% did not feel safe, comment was made on the need to drive on winter roads, the open access to the changing pavilions and the lack of secure overnight storage for equipment.

15. Do you feel the opening hours are adequate for your needs?

87% of respondents feel that the opening No 13% hours of their facilities are suitable for their needs.

Yes 87%

16 16. How do you think Huntly’s leisure facilities compare against other local leisure facilities that you know of?

Better The majority (54%) or respondents 5% have rated the facilities in Huntly as “not as good” when comparing to facilities elsewhere. About The Same Comments to support the responses 41% stated that there is a lack of good facilities available in the evenings and Not as good highlighted key comparison with 54% facilities in Alford, Keith, Inverurie, Ellon and Deveronvale. Overall, the facilities in Huntly were said to lack quality playing surfaces, availability to suit demand and the ability to cater for a wider range of activities.

17. What facilities would you like to see developed in or around Huntly over the next ten years?

Golf Facilities Disabled Sports Facilities Outdoor Tennis Courts Bowling Greens Artificial Ski / Snowboard Facilities Swimming Facilities Skate Parks Meeting Rooms Flumes and Water Features Grass Pitches Indoor Tennis Courts Performance Spaces / Stages Dance Studios Athletics Facilities Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) Changing Rooms and Pavilion Cycling Facilities Artificial Pitches Health, Fitness and Dance Studios Floodlighting Outdoor Facilities Indoor Sports Hall

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

This table (now ranked) shows the preference for facility development within Huntly in the coming years.

18. Can you expand on reasons for picking any of the above?

All comments in relation to this question are included in Appendix One.

19: Please provide any further comments with regards to the development of Facilities for sports, leisure and wellbeing in and around Huntly.

All responses for this question have also been provided in full in Appendix One.

18 5.3 Consultation Two: Governing Bodies of Sport

The following Sports Governing Bodies were approached as part of the overall consultation process.

RESPONDING GOVERNING BODIES

 Badminton Scotland  Scottish Hockey  Basketball Scotland  Scottish Football Association  Cricket Scotland  Scottish Rugby  Scottish Athletics  Scottish Swimming  Scottish Cycling  SnowSports Scotland  Scottish Disability Sport  Table Tennis Scotland  Scottish Gymnastics  Tennis Scotland

In general terms all governing bodies that responded were supportive of the need to develop or improve facilities within the area. In some cases, the governing bodies could link specifically with where facility improvements link to their own strategies. And in other cases the governing bodies strategies were in a stage of development. However, the overarching outcome was that they are supportive and will be prepared to provide letters of support if and when the applicant decides to apply for funding.

Some governing bodies provided further comments for inclusion in this report. These are included in Appendix Two.

5.4 Consultation Three: Key Stakeholders

Aberdeenshire Council - Elected Members Four local elected members of Aberdeenshire Council, representing the AB54 post code area were consulted, three attended a question and answer session in Huntly Development Offices with the fourth tendering his apologies as he was out of the country. Having heard the scope of the strategy, the elected members expressed their support and commitment towards the furtherance of the improvement of facilities for Huntly and the wider community. Some discussion centered on the council’s flood prevention plans for the Meadows area and it was reassuring to hear that these should be commencing in 2016. The members questioned the underlying philosophy of the strategy and were supportive that it aimed to Enhance, Protect and Provide in that order. In particular, the value of the Linden Centre was discussed as being a highly valued community asset, which, despite its age, still fulfilled a wide range of community needs.

Some discussion centered on the perceived difficulty in obtaining access to The Gordon School’s sports facilities and it was reiterated that it was not council policy to exclude groups from schools after school hours. It was agreed that this would be further discussed with the relevant school staff. It was also noted that in the council’s capital programme there did not appear to be an allocation against replacing and upgrading Huntly’s schools and the elected

19 members agreed that this is something that they would raise with the relevant council officers.

It was also noted that the elected members agreed to check if any capital allocation exists in the council’s capital programme against Huntly. If this is not the case, they agreed that they would raise this with the relevant council officers albeit with a view to including a small capital amount which, when facility provision is determined, may be useful leverage funding.

The elected members confirmed their support for the strategy and asked to be kept in touch on an on-going basis.

Aberdeenshire Council Representatives The overall perception is that the leisure facilities provided directly by Aberdeenshire Council in the AB54 and wider Marr areas are of a higher quality than provided generally elsewhere in Aberdeenshire. However, there may be a local perception that somehow facilities in Huntly and AB54 are not provided to the same quality as some of the newer campuses throughout Aberdeenshire.

It was felt that there is generally fairly comprehensive and good provision of community facilities within Huntly and that these serve to meet some of the needs of outlying villages. If anything, a programme of modernization might be required as well as identifying future community needs.

An assurance was given that the area at the Meadows would receive a full flood prevention treatment programme commencing probably around the middle of 2016. This would be a multimillion-pound flood prevention scheme, which would reduce or eliminate the historical flooding that has taken place across the Meadows site. Once this is completed, the recreational sites within that area will be much more valuable for future leisure provision based on the projected flood reduction risk and therefore would become much more valuable and prominent leisure sites. This may take up to two years for completion but should be within the time frame for considering the site for future uses.

There was strong support for the concept of health and wellbeing with Huntly already having an established health and wellbeing hub (11 Gordon Street) and that this should be included in the consultations in respect on any future health and wellbeing facilities.

The role of the Nordic Ski Centre was flagged up as a primary hub attraction for Huntly and the surrounding North East. It was pointed out that when Alford Ski Centre was offered for community asset transfer, this was not taken up by the local community. Currently Aberdeenshire Council manages and operates the Nordic Ski Centre and it was felt that this is comparable with anything that is being provided in the Aviemore area. It was pointed out that four winter Olympian athletes have come through the centre at Huntly and that this could be used as a future marketing initiative to greater promote Nordic and Outdoor Skiing. It was felt that with some targeted investment, the facilities could be upgraded to create a high quality, Nordic and Outdoor Centre hub.

It was also felt that the tennis courts at Cooper Park were not at all well utilized despite having been recently resurfaced. The need for good quality children’s play area provision was also identified, in particular the need to provide good quality play equipment for children with disabilities.

20 Additionally, design proofs for a new cycling map for Huntly, and routes for inclusion in their forthcoming walking maps were identified. Although only at a draft stage, it is hoped that these will be available early in the next financial year. Similarly, the council’s sustainable/ active travel master plan is currently being drafted. When available, both sets of documents should outline the Council’s position regarding walking, cycling and active travel routes in and around Huntly.

The Gordon Schools A meeting was held with representatives of Physical Education and Business Support Services for the Gordon Schools. It was noted that the demand for community use of the school’s facilities is high and that the halls are in use most evenings. At presents, the school uses the facilities through the day and up until 6pm at night, with community bookings available from 6-10pm and at weekends. A full timetable of use is in Appendix Three.

With reference to the development of facilities in the Huntly area, it is important to understand the needs, desires and wishes of the Gordon Schools, listed below.

All Weather Pitch “As a school we feel that we are in need of an all weather pitch which can be used throughout the year for both classes and extra curricular clubs. At present our all weather pitch is quite often unplayable and can only be used in the summer months when there has not been heavy rain. Very often we have four classes timetabled and have only three spaces and have to rely on getting access to the swimming pool. A quality all weather pitch would allow for:  More options to be offered to classes  Continuity of outdoor extra curricular clubs such as hockey and football  Greater access to community clubs  Active schools to run more events with the cluster primary schools

Fitness Suite Last year we unfortunately lost the use of a classroom, which we had been set up as a fitness room. This was a very popular area both with staff and pupils and was used in class time, at lunchtimes and after school. We believe having a fitness room is crucial in developing all aspects of health and wellbeing and encouraging lifelong participation and being active for pupils. A modern and up to date fitness suite would:  Benefit pupils to develop their fitness in a high quality environment  Encourage lifelong participation and ensuring pupils are active in the future  Give staff a place to train during their working day at lunchtime and after school  Help in developing overall physical and mental wellbeing

Athletics Track The school and community would benefit greatly from an athletics track and would:  Allow the school athletics group to train on a good surface and develop athletes  Improve the quality at the whole schools sports day  Improved training facilities for local Nordic Skier (many of whom are part of the British team)  Allow for local running clubs to have better facilities to use as part of their training

21 Gymnasium The School would benefit greatly from modernisation of the current gymnasium as this would:  Encourage greater participation in extra-curricular clubs such as dance and fitness  Enhance the environment for learning and teaching  Allow for more outside community groups to meet in a modern environment”

Huntly Football Club A very positive and constructive meeting was held between the consultants and Huntly Football Club. The Club highlighted the comprehensive age range of youth groups currently provided for through Huntly Football Club. The Club currently has a lease on Christie Park, which they use for their home games. However, it is felt that with the quantity of players requiring training and competition, that the club plans to move from having a grass surface to having a 3G/4G artificial full sized pitch as phase one. Phase 2 may comprises of an upgrade to the changing, training and social facilities associated with the club.

Huntly Football Club indicated that they had identified potential sources of funding. It was agreed that sharing in a strategy such as this would be to the club and community’s mutual benefit.

Huntly Rugby Football Club Huntly Rugby Football Club provided extensive information on their current facility usage and their short and long-term goals. It is apparent that the sport remains increasingly popular in the area with the club stating that the presence of a development officer in increasingly growing the participation numbers.

The primary issues faced by the rugby club are insufficient availability of changing spaces and the competition for pitch space, specifically with the poorer playing surface at the Market Muir. Often, they find they are sharing pitches and the pavilion at the Meadows between 5 rugby matches and 2 football games with limited pitch space and only 6 changing rooms.

During the winter months the club makes use of the School games and gym halls with the minis/girls in on Saturday morning and the youth/seniors training on a Tuesday evening. These are great spaces to have when it is too cold outside to train but can be very overcrowded with close to 100 kids under the one roof.

In terms of Club facilities, this year HRFC has used the Ex-Servicemen's Club and the Cricket Club for meetings and after match hospitality and although grateful, none of these venues are suitable long term, therefore securing a Clubhouse is identified as key in the long term development of the club. It is also highlighted that the provision of a clubhouse would also increase the ability to generate revenue, provide improved storage and improve links between difference age groups in the club.

Networks of Wellbeing Networks of Wellbeing are a group operating from a leased facility in the town centre. Within this facility they offer training space, meeting space and promote a community wellbeing hub. A second facility is used in a local industrial park providing office space, and a

22 community space for bicycle maintenance, “the bike shack”. Leftover parts from the maintenance space are recycled by a local artist who works closely with young people on projects in the community. At present, the group operates with one full time and four-part time members of staff providing services for around 150 people. Networks of Wellbeing Ltd work in partnership with around 30 organisations. They have highlighted the following needs and concerns:

 Staff are only funded for certain allocated times, this reduced capacity of the team has a negative effect on the operational service.  Ideally, the group would prefer to have all requirements, services and tools under one roof – at present, the Portakabin used for Bike Shack storage is falling apart.  Access issues exist with the use of Huntly Community School – it is felt that there are “too many hoops to jump through” with a requirement for longer block booking, and with the school citing janitorial issues.

Huntly Scout Group The Scout Group was well represented in face-to-face meetings, as part of the audit, and at the public open meeting. The Scout Leader highlighted the challenges that the existing facility poses, in terms of building size, storage space and restricted car parking.

He has investigated several alternative options for a new Scout Hall facility, including the other side of the A96. The perception was that a location on the other side of a trunk road was too far for parents to allow their children to travel to.

Three other locations were identified in and around Huntly these being; the Aberdeenshire Council land currently owned to the West of the Nordic Ski Centre, the area currently accommodating the artificial pitch at the Meadows, and the option to initiate discussions with the new owners of Huntly Caravan Park who have a social / community hall within their site.

It was agreed that the next stage for the Scout’s would probably be to commission an options appraisal of these sites and a feasibility study.

Huntly Cyclists Huntly Cyclists is a constituted community cycling group who were met as part of the overall consultation exercise. The group supports the development of new and or improved sports, leisure and wellbeing facilities in Huntly and the surrounding areas, adding the following observations and priorities from their position.

It is a primary concern of the group that parking issues in the town have a detrimental effect on the safety of cyclists and therefore parking should be considered as an essential part of any development. The group has stated the importance of education for cycling, including cycling proficiency, bike maintenance, bike skills and a wider understanding of how cycling links to health, fitness and wellbeing.

Cyclists Huntly raise concern over the accessibility of the school for cyclists during winter as a result of adverse weather. However, are keen to promote cycling as part of integrated transport for all ages in Huntly and the surrounding areas.

23 It was stated that the group would like to see skateboarding, mounting biking and BMX facilities developed in the area.

Stewarts Hall A meeting was held with John Green, caretaker of the Stewarts Hall who gave insight into the use and running of the hall. Stewarts Hall – a multi-purpose building based centrally within the town. There is enthusiasm towards improving the space, as well as larger aspirations.

Although it meets the needs in some aspects it has a diverse range of use at present which could be improved with some investment and more availability for community hire / use. Previously one of the rooms on the ground floor was a separate shop, this was taken over by the council when the property was vacant and was converted in to another available meeting room / room for hire within the building.

The facility has a wide and varied size and number of rooms and the old courtroom is utilized as a council chamber for meetings. Other present activities include, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, band rehearsals, Active Schools activities after school, and various parties and functions. There is also significant usage for performing arts groups with gigs, pantomimes and productions throughout the year.

It has been suggested that a lot of cosmetic improvements would be welcomed but also that an increase in shower facilities and the addition of an orchestra pit, in house lighting and upgraded sound systems would be beneficial.

Currently, there is a community rate, however if there was a more flexible approach to the pricing and booking of the venue then a more efficient and flexible booking system can be operated to accommodate everyone, and move people around the available rooms within the facility. A computer within the facility would be required to facilitate this service.

Other Key Stakeholders Input was also received from Paths for All, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland, summarized as follows. Forestry Commission Scotland reported that they were responsible for the management of the bin forest Clashindarroch forest, Gartly forest, Dunbennan forest, and a number of smaller forests in the AB54 area. It was thought that they adequately meet community needs and provide, in general terms, 20 miles of marked trails, 150 miles of forest road tracks and 10,000 hectares of accessible forest. In his opinion, they meet local standards.

It was stated that SNH have no specific plans for the AB54 area. However, they promote access to all outdoor activities and health and wellbeing, working closely with paths for all in this regard. SNH comments are included in

Overall groups believed that the quality and quantity is good but accessibility could be improved – it was stated that poorly constructed trails were inherited and have a challenge ahead. It is felt that the tracks and trails are very safe and overprovided in the Huntly area compared with other communities. In terms of walking, off road running and family cycling, Huntly is extremely well catered for.

24 Whilst these agencies do not run health walks directly, they encourage and support local groups to do so.

6 Audit of Supply Facilities

In order to develop and effective facility strategy for Huntly, it is important to understand the current provision for sports, leisure and wellbeing within the town and surrounding area. This audit document identifies 22 facilities – council, community, and privately owned, where bookings are, or could, be made for the provision of sports, leisure and wellbeing classes or activities.

Following a standard format, a description of each facility is provided as well as its location, size or provision and ownership. Details are then provided where possible on the usage of the facility relating to functionality and demand, the accessibility of the facility, both in terms of opening hours and ease of booking as well as transport links, distance to amenities and opening hours. The audit also looks at the perception of safety and security, focusing on the surrounding area, lighting, and other attributes that may increase or decrease risk to users.

Elements of the facility are then assessed to identify their current condition highlighting any maintenance required. These facilities are then graded from A to D based on a subjective visual assessment. The maintenance priorities are identified providing an overall snapshot of each facility.

Adopting an enhance, protect and provide model, identifies whether the facilities need to be PROTECTED, ENHANCED or PROVIDED, with additional supporting narrative.

Criteria for Facility Grading Operational Ratings: A = Good- Performing well B = Satisfactory- Performs and operating efficiently well but with minor problems. C = Poor- Showing signs of D= Bad- Does not support major problems and/or not delivery of Service operating optimally

The pool is situated adjacent to the Gordon Schools. The Swimming pool Location: shares a car park with the Rifle Range, Cricket Club and Linden Centre. Swimming Pool – 25m 6.1 Huntly Swimming Pool Paddling Pool – 8m Size: Small spa Medium sized fitness suite. Adequate changing rooms and small reception / retail area. The complex comprises a 25m swimming pool, paddling pool, spa The pool was built in 1967 and was significantly redeveloped in 2010. The and steam room and a fitness suite with a range of cardio and Facility Age: changing rooms are in very good condition and the plant room equipment is exercise equipment. There are substantial changing facilities, and due for substantial upgrade within the next 12 months. private showers are available.

Ownership The facility is owned by Aberdeenshire Council. The building also has a reception space with limited retail and refreshments area and a small office. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The pool is currently one of the most heavily used Huntly Swimming Pool is situated in a central The location of the building is serviced by a safe and facilities in the AB54 postcode area. In part, this is location, easily accessed from the town centre, the secure access route. The car park and outside areas of due to lack of competition from other pools in the Gordon schools, and is only a short walk from the the building are well lit. area which provides the pool with a large customer majority of bus routes serving the local area. / user base. Access to the facility is through a staffed reception area, There is ample car parking, and the car park is shared which restricts unauthorized access thereby increasing with a number of other local facilities. the safety and security of users. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The building has a relatively modern appearance when contrasted with other older buildings in the surrounding area. The entrance is well signposted and None Building Exterior illuminated. Due to the age of the building, B required part of the structure has a flat roof, which in time may give rise to maintenance issues. Generally the overall appearance is satisfactory

The reception and social space is small but Reception / Social None clean and in good condition. There are B Space required vending machines available.

26 The swimming pool occupies most of the Repairs internal available space and this results in underway on limited spectating. Both pools are in good Main Pool, Paddling spa – working condition. At the time of audit, B/C Pool and Spa Otherwise no maintenance issues had temporarily significant closed the spa, which was undergoing issues repairs.

The fitness suite utilizes the available space to maximum effect. Plans are currently being progressed to replace a number of items of equipment, but otherwise there are no major maintenance concerns. Facility contains the following None Fitness Suite CV equipment: 4 treadmills, 2 upright B required bikes, 1 recumbent bike, 2 cross trainers, 1 stepper, 2 concept rowing machines, 1 arm ergometer 1 power plate. It also contains various dumbbells and resistance equipment.

The changing area in this facility is the Some Issues most recently updated with all aspects in with flooring very good condition. There are no issues to overcome. Changing Village either operationally or relating to B No other maintenance. There are ongoing maintenance continuing flooring issues, which are required being addressed.

27 The plant room equipment is dated B (pending Required however a full upgrade is scheduled for Plant Room scheduled maintenance 2016 and this should bring this part of the work) underway. facility up to date.

The Swimming Pool and Fitness Suite in Huntly is a popular and well used asset in the local community. Having recently had a fitness equipment upgrade, there is only a requirement for minor repairs elsewhere in the building. Any new facility or the improvement of PROTECT other exisiting facilities in the area, should compliment, rather than compete against the Swimming Pool and Fitness Suite.

28 The Rhynie Hall is located in the village of Rhynie, south of Huntly off the Location: A96. The Hall is located in the grounds of the local primary school serving the village and the surrounding areas. 6.2 The Rhynie Hall The main Hall is the size of one badminton court with a good-sized kitchen Size: accessible from one end of the Hall and from outside. Changing space, toilets and storage are minimal, but adequate for the size of the facility. The Rhynie Hall is a small 1 badminton court Hall with ancillary Facility Age: Unknown toilets and changing space and a small fitted kitchen. Previously it was a nursery but with changing demand the nursery has now relocated to the adjacent primary school and the hall is under Ownership The facility is owned and operated by Aberdeenshire Council ownership of the council. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security At the time of the audit, there was only one regular The facility is available to book through The Hall is safe and secure with all doors and windows booking held by a local uniformed group (scouts, Aberdeenshire Leisure and the prices are set by this in good working order. guides etc.). Ad hoc usage does occur for elections, organization. local events etc. The main reason given for lack of The surrounding area is open and well lit and being use was the poor heating of the facility. Although Due to its rural location and distance from Huntly (9 close to the centre to the village this adds to the some upgrading and improvements would be miles) this restricts the number of users to mainly perception of being safe and secure. welcomed, the current usage level only justifies and local village and surrounding residents. improvement to the heating system along with the The Hall is in reasonably good condition and appears completion of window replacements. to be sufficient to meet the needs of the local rural population. There are a small number of parking spaces, which can be increased by making use of the hard-standing area in the school grounds when the school is not in use. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The hall is safe and secure, sharing the No grounds with the primary school, which Building Exterior B maintenance also ensures that the area around the Hall required is well maintained.

The walls, ceilings, fittings etc. are in good A number of condition however only half of the windows windows in the Hall have been upgraded. need replaced to tackle Remedial repair work has been completed issues with Main Hall B/C on the floor, however it would benefit cold. from a replacement and options to upgrade the floor are currently being Floor would considered. benefit from upgrading.

The provision of ancillary facilities within The Hall is basic but functional. The Updating primary concern relates to the inability to would be Toilets, Storage and effectively heat the facility in winter. B welcome but Ancillary facilities However due to its current low usage not a main levels it is suggested that investments or priority. repairs are of a relatively low priority.

The kitchen facilities within the building are up to date and in good working order. No Kitchenette These amenities are adequate for the B maintenance current usage levels including any required. potential ad hoc or new bookings.

Rhynie Hall is currently under-used, however its location allows it to serve its local community providing space for basic fitness ENHANCE classes, social events and clubs. It is unlikely that the provision of any new facilities in Huntly will have a significant impact on this Hall, however it is important that the Hall is not neglected as a result. Improvements to the windows and the floor should remain a primary focus, ultimately providing the community with an improved local asset.

Ski Lodge, Hill Of Haugh, Huntly AB54 4SH. Located close to the town Location: centre but with a feel of being in the country. The facility has a moderately sized social area, toilets, changing rooms and office / admin space. A significant amount of the facility is used for storing 6.3 The Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre Size: bikes, skis and roller skis. There is a 500m matted training track outside as well as a small downhill slope for ski/snowboard training and for tubing which is run commercially to generate revenue. Facility Age: Facility has benefited from a significant refurbishment in 2004. The Huntly Nordic Ski Centre is the only dedicated Nordic Ski Centre in the northeast and is currently used on a regular basis for international level performance training. Ownership The Nordic Ski Centre is owned and operated by Aberdeenshire Council

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The Nordic and Outdoor Centre attracts a high level The Centre is easily accessibly by road, three minutes The main building is in good repair with an attractive of participants in Nordic Skiing from across the UK from the town centre with adequate parking and well-kept interior. Facilities are clean and in good for training camps and pre-competition preparation. available. working order with the entrance road fairly accessible but with a small number of potholes. Bike hire and Roller Ski hire allow for year round During term time the facility is open Monday, Tuesday commercial activity with the promotion of local and Friday 9am – 4pm and on a Saturday and Sunday The area surrounding the building is rural in nature trails and routes. 9am – 5pm. attracting a wide variety of outdoor activities both connected to the centre, and independently. When the The facility is also home to The Huntly Nordic Ski During the holiday periods the facility is open centre is not in use, the gate is secured and vehicular Club who own and maintain some of the equipment. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and on a Saturday and access is therefore limited but the area around the Sunday 9am – 5pm. Centre can still be accessed on foot. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The interior of the centre is attractive, clean and well kept. There is adequate Interior – Social Space, space for customers and users to process None Toilets, Office Space A/B their hires, bookings and purchase a small required etc. range of refreshments. Lighting, heating and fittings all are in good working order.

31 The centre has adequate storage space for No bikes, skis, roller skis and tubes. Part of maintenance this storage is used for club equipment, required – Storage and workshop however most is for public hires. There A/B increased areas. appears to be no major issues with the storage quality of the current storage space, would be however additional storage space would welcomed. be useful.

The outdoor slope and matted 500m The striding outdoor track are in reasonable working lane tracks Exterior – slope, order. B/C would benefit matted track etc. Aberdeenshire Council is currently in the from progress of making arrangements to have updating the striding lane tracks replaced.

The Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre is a key facility serving the local area and beyond. Having identified repairs and improvements, ENHANCE it is important that the council retain their commitment to the centre and that the centre, continuing to improve and enhance the facility, ensuring it provides for the widest possible market in the Huntly area and beyond.

The all weather pitch is situated in the Meadows area close the Gordon Location: Schools. The facility comprises a 100m x 60m pitch with an additional 3m run off. 6.4 Huntly All Weather Pitch and Pavilion Size: The facility is surrounded by Weldmesh fencing. The pavilion adjacent to the pitch contains 6 changing rooms, office and toilet facilities. Facility Age: Pavilion was built in 1999. The all weather pitch is located close from the schools adjacent to the majority of the other grass pitches. It was funded and created The Huntly Sports Trust currently operates the facilities, owning the pavilion through the Huntly Sports Trust Group. Extensive repairs or Ownership replacements are now required. and all weather pitch, with a lease on the land.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security This pitch has previously been used by the There is adequate parking on site, although the The poor quality of the surface would deem that there is secondary and primary schools as well as a wide quality of the car park has deteriorated through a significantly increased risk of injury resulting from number of local clubs. The pitch has now flooding, overuse and lack of maintenance. poor grip, slip, trips and falls. significantly deteriorated due to flooding and wear and tear. It no longer is fit for purpose and should The pitch is accessible through a lockable gate, with Schools access appears to be through the woods, be considered for replacement. high fencing surrounding the facility. downhill and on a poorly surfaced path, which increases the risk to children accessing the facility. The pavilion is used to service the practice pitches The school access to the pitch appears to be down a as well as the all weather pitch and therefore steep hill with a poorly surfaced access path. The pavilion building is secure, well lit and contains tidy, remains in demand. One room is currently used to well-kept facilities for changing. store equipment for a local group. The pavilion has no access issues..

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The pitch surface has been significantly damaged as a result of flooding leaving it Not fit for unfit for purpose. purpose. Pitch Surface and D Replacement Markings The surface is in a poor condition urgently throughout. The goal posts, fencing and required. lockable gate are also in need of repair or replacement.

33 Pathways, car As the photograph highlights, the gated park and access to the pitch is in a poor condition, surfaces in and although lockable, the metal is poor Fencing, Access and fatigued and there are holes throughout C/D condition. Surround Amenities the fencing. The footpath access and surrounding walkways are also in need of Fencing in repair. need of repair.

The Pavilion building is in good physical No Pavilion Exterior condition. B maintenance issues

The pavilion contains a number of changing facilities, showers and toilets and is able to service the majority of users playing on the artificial pitch and nearby grass pitches. All rooms appear to be No Changing Rooms, recently refurbished with fixtures, fitting B maintenance Office and Toilets and décor in good condition. issues

On occasion, it is noted that when using all available pitches to full capacity, changing provision is limited.

PROVIDE Due to its age and many years of flood damage, the all weather pitch is no longer fit for purpose. It is therefore recommended that a new all wether pitch should be provided. This perception is also confirmed through the results of the public consultation.

Location: Cooper Park, Huntly, AB54 4SH The park contains 3 outdoor tennis courts, outdoor basketball practice area, 6.5 Cooper Park and Cooper Park Pavilion Size: children’s outdoor play equipment, a pavilion building and limited car parking. Cooper Park comprises of three outdoor tennis courts, casual use Facility Age: The tennis courts were resurfaced in 2013 basketball nets, outdoor play space and a small pavilion. At the time of audit, the pavilion was in the third stage of A Community Asset Transfer from the council to a local group. It is planned that The outdoor facilities remain the property of Aberdeenshire Leisure, Ownership the Pavilion will be used, post transfer, as a Men’s Shed – providing whereas the pavilion is progressing through the Community Asset Transfer. a multi-use working space for adult men in the local community to meet and socialize. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security All outdoor facilities have open access and are The whole area is freely accessible and is difficult to At present, some damage to the pavilion building is available to use at any time. Previously the local manage due to lack of security, booking systems and evident giving the potential to attract vandalism tennis club made use of the courts, however this has supervision. lowering the perception of security. reduced with only ad hoc users playing occasionally. There is no formal booking system and Parking is available for up to 10 vehicles. This facility Otherwise the space surrounding the building is open it is therefore difficult to determine levels of usage is within walking distance of the town centre and and well lit. The courts are fenced, although easily or to charge for the use of the courts. schools. accessible.

The Pavilion has suffered significant flood damage The open nature of these outdoor facilities and the lack with repairs currently underway. This space has of supervision reduce the perception of security in this been used by a variety of groups for social space, area. meetings etc. It is also currently used for storing tennis equipment. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The building exterior is in a relatively good condition, windows show some signs At least one of neglect and this is likely to be resolved window Pavilion Exterior B/C post Community Asset Transfer. The requires building appears structurally sound with a replacing. secure entrance.

35 There has been substantial damage caused Continuation to the inside of the pavilion as a result of of post Pavilion Interior flooding and water ingress. More C flooding significantly the flooring needs replaced repairs and some lighting requires upgrading. required

The tennis courts are in good working No issue with order with the surface having been tennis courts. recently replaced (2013). Currently, the Tennis Courts, Basket New surface surface beneath the basketball practice Ball Nets and Play B may be nets is only fit for recreational use. For Space considered more specific basketball practice, a better for basketball quality outdoor surface or relocation nets. should be considered.

Notwithstanding the asset transfer of the Cooper Park Pavilion, it is clear that the outdoor space at Cooper Park currently hosts a ENHANCE number of outdoor leisure and fitness facilitiles, tennis courts, basket ball nets and outdoor play. Presently, this area is under-used, however, it is located so close to the school that it could provide additional sports provision with a relatively small level of investment.

36 Location: Market Street, Huntly, AB54 8JY The facilities comprise 1 x Ruby pitch, 1 x Football Pitch, changing pavilion, 6.6 Market Muir Pitches and Pavilion Size: storage containers and medium sized car park. Facility Age: Pitch built in 1999. Market Muir Pitches are located at the entrance to Huntly, close to the A96. The pitches are used by most of the local rugby and football groups for training and for competition. The space is also Ownership The pitches and pavilion are currently owned by Aberdeenshire Council used for events, fetes etc.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The pitches are used weekly by a number clubs, with The Market Muir pitches are open to the public at all Market Muir pitch is accessible at all times, and regular and ad hoc usage (often seasonally times. Parking is available for approximately 20 / 30 therefore used for dog walking. This results in issues dependent). cars depending on how the space is used. with dog fouling which present a significant risk to those using the pitches for sports. The space is also used for events, shows, galas, etc. In context, the pitches and pavilion are located at the with an annual car boot sale run by the Huntly opposite end of town from the majority of sports and The playing surface is average at best. Built on the site Sports Trust. leisure facilities at the Meadows / Cooper Park. of an old brick works the playing areas provide a hard and unforgiving surface. This also increases the risk of injury for those playing on the pitches.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The car park surface is in reasonable condition, however it is unmarked. As a May be result, the space may not always be advisable to maximized during large events. Issues mark car- with parking have been cited in the past, parking bays with people choosing to park on the Parking B/C – including surrounding streets. This has a significant the inside of impact on road and pedestrian safety with space to the proximity to a main road junction and maximise safe a major supermarket. There is also a risk parking. that the fire station and hospital access may be blocked.

37 Marking of the pitches is The current pitch surfacing is adequate for required. the provision of basic training, however

for football and rugby at intermediate Significant levels and above, the presence of stone work on pitch beneath the grass creates a hard and surfacing and Pitches challenging surface. C surrounding No permanent marking for pitches are fencing would currently in place. be required Open access for dog walkers and public for improving use also restricts the capacity for effective facility sports uses. performance.

No The inside of the pavilion building is in maintenance good condition compared to other issues in football/rugby changing facilities. There facilities. Pavilion and Storage are two changing rooms with toilets and Increased B Facilities showers, and a small storeroom. A storage permanent container is on site used by the Rugby storage and Club. Changing spaces is limited for larger capacity may teams. be considered.

The Market Muir pitches provide training and playing space for football and rugby as well as gathering space for community events, galas and shows. However it is noted that the playing surface is on shallow soil which causes prolems for the grass root zone, ENHANCE particularly when used for rugby and increases the risk of injury in all sports. It would be beneficial to consider improving this surface, potentially by raising the playing surface, increasing the depth of soil and increasing the root zone. Smaller improvements such as improving the car park and increasing storage may also be benificial in the shorter term.

38 Location: Ythanwells Village, Aberdeenshire (7 miles east of Huntly) The facility comprises a one badminton court sized main hall, a second hall 6.7 Ythanwells Village Hall Size: set up for indoor bowling and a third smaller room for meetings and multi use. There is also a kitchen, toilets and storage space. Facility Age: Information unavailable The hall is managed by the Aberdeenshire Leisure, this former primary school is located in the village of Ythanwells, 7 miles east of Formerly a Primary School, the building has remained under council Huntly. Ownership ownership with the operation and management by Aberdeenshire Leisure.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security At the time of the audit, there was only 2 regular The front entrance of the facility accessed via a flight The Hall is located in the centre of the village, and has lets in place for the Hall. It most common uses are of fairly steep concrete steps, however wheelchair adequate open space surrounding it. currently indoor bowls (a popular activity between access is available from the side of the building. villages in the area) and music rehearsals. The All aspects of the building are secure with little risk of facility is also used for ad hoc events locally, with a The facility has a dedicated car park. unauthorized entry. functioning kitchen / server and ample space and amenities. Due to i’s rural location, access is limited due to As with other remote locations, a risk may arise for restricted public transport. those walking to and from the facility as roads have little / no lighting or pavements.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

Notwithstanding minor signs of age related wear and tear, the exterior of the Windows building appears to be in good condition. would benefit There are no notable issues with stone / from brick work, roofing or windows etc. upgrading – Building Exterior B Nothing currently poses a risk to the safe no other and effective operation of the facility. major Windows are dated and show significant maintenance signs of aging and replacement windows requirements. would be beneficial.

39 The inside rooms of the facility are in good condition. There are no major repairs required with regards to the rooms in which activities are taking place.

One room is set up currently for indoor bowling, and a second is furnished as a No significant meeting or multi- purpose work space, Interior B maintenance whilst the space adjacent to the server required hatch is used primarily for music recitals, band practice etc.

Although there is scope to upgrade, the current quality of facility adequately suits it usage levels and users groups in the local village.

The smaller space within the facility is served by a fully functioning kitchen / No Small Hall / Servery servery. All appliances, fittings and B maintenance fixtures within the kitchen are modern required and in good working order.

The distance from Huntly, and prominent location within the village of Ythanwells suggests that the Hall is a key community asset, providing flexible space for the local residents. There are no current significant maintence requirements within the facility, and as a PROTECT result, Aberdeenshire Council should continue to manage the facilitly, promoting it to local user groups and ensuring it remains in good operational condition.

Location: Castle Street, Huntly, AB54 4SE The facility contains a teaching kitchen, café, social space and offices on the 6.8 The Linden Centre Size: ground floor, a youth club working space and storage in the basement, and a hall for bowling, a nursery classroom and a meeting room upstairs. The building dates back over 100 years having been converted from a Facility Age: Located at the centre of Huntly Town, the Linden Centre is a large primary school to serve the community around 50 years ago. multi use community centre, providing a number of functions for The centre is owned by Aberdeenshire Council number of their staff based various community groups. The building is currently listed. Ownership there. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security Aberdeenshire Council currently uses the offices The Centre is located adjacent to the Swimming Pool, The centre is located close to The Gordon Schools and a permanently, and the social space and café on the Cricket Club and Rifle Range and has adequate car variety of other sports and leisure facilities in the centre ground floor are used heavily during school break parking available. of the town. This location ensures it is well lit and safely times and after school. accessible. Public transport terminates close to the nearby There is regular use of the classroom upstairs for schools, and the Linden Centre is a short walk from All facilities within the building appear safe and secure nursery groups, and of the meeting space for local Huntly town centre. with equipment and fixings in up to date working order. groups and clubs. The centre is open 8:30am until 6pm, with evening The basement space is well equipped with computer hours extending in the winter to suit community equipment and soft furnishings. needs. The coffee bar is open from 10am – 4pm daily.

The teaching kitchen is used for the promotion of Disabled access is available to the lower two floors of healthy living in the local community. the centre, but not the third floor.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

Despite its age, the building has a good No major external appearance. Windows, roofing Building Exterior A/B maintenance and drainage all appear to be in good required working order.

41 The training kitchen within the Centre has been created as a result of funding to No major assist in the education of health and Training Kitchen A maintenance healthy eating in the community. It is in required excellent condition with no issues present in fittings, fixtures or décor.

The basement space appears to have been recently updated with soft seating and a variety of seating areas. One end of the space is equipped with computers and No major Basement Space supporting technology. There are no A/B maintenance significant issues in this area, although the required stairs and stairwell lack the level of effective heating found in the rest of the building.

The classroom, meeting room and bowling room are all in good condition. Lighting is Meeting Rooms, Class No major adequate and there are no significant Rooms and Activity B maintenance issues with doors, windows, flooring or Rooms required décor overall. Décor and IT provision could be modernised.

42 The social space is well lit, with snooker / pool table, tables and chairs and a staffed No major coffee bar. All aspects of this space are in issues, Social Space, Café and good condition. upgrading of B/C Toilets toilet The toilet fittings and fixtures are dated facilities is and would benefit from upgrading or recommended replacement.

The Linden Centre, is and should always remain a key hub within the community in Huntly. At present, a number of rooms are used for fitness classes, however there is little provision for changing and showers etc. By providing alternative facilitiles specific to PROTECT sports and fitness classes, the Linden Centre will have increased availability to provide meeting rooms and social spaces for non sports related community needs. Providing small improvements to the facility itself – toilets and cosmetic improvements, will support the provision of good quality community facilities with Huntly.

Located opposite the Linden Centre and beside the Gordon Secondary School, Location: close to the centre of Huntly. 6.9 The Gordon Primary School Size: The school has a roll of around 400 pupils and between 20 and 30 staff.

Facility Age: Age Unknown The Gordon Primary School is the only Primary school in the town. It is located next to the secondary school. Ownership Owned by Aberdeenshire Council

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security Two specific indoor areas are available for sports at There is no policy within Aberdeenshire Council that Due to the nature of this facility, the school is safe and school, the size of one has been reduced as a result prohibits the public use of school facilities out-with secure, with access through reception. of increased demand for storage. Access to playing the school day. However the facilities at the primary pitches is hazardous in poor weather. school are limited as they are designed for use by children and are less suitable for adult / community use as a result. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

No The school playground surrounds the maintenance majority of the building with a paved area, required to various small play fixtures and a small low playground, level climbing wall (as seen in the however loss photograph). In good weather, the school of all weather Outdoor Play B previously accessed the all weather pitch, pitch is a however this is now not fit for purpose, significant and more importantly the access to the detriment to pitch is via a poorly maintained footpath sports increasing the risk to pupils. provision in the school

44 This hall is one badminton court in size, with the sports specific floor in good No major Indoor Sports Hall condition. The hall is well lit, well A/B maintenance ventilated and all fitting and fixtures are in required. good working order.

No maintenance required, The smaller multi use space inside the however primary school is in good condition, would benefit Smaller Indoor Spaces B however the space has reduced due to it from being used for storage space. increased storage elsewhere in the school.

The high demand for space within Huntly has seen a significant pressure on both schools facilities. Community use is more focused on the secondary school’s facilities, however the primary schools facilities should not be overlooked. Overall, the improvement or PROTECT provision of facilities in Huntly should look to support the demand already made on the schools.

Located opposite the Linden Centre, and beside the primary school close to Location: the centre of Huntly. The school roll is just over 700. The school has a large 6 badminton court 6.10 The Gordon Secondary School Size: sports hall, a small gymnasium and associated changing facilities and storage. It is estimated that the building is 175 years old but has been added to over Facility Age: The Gordon School is the only Secondary school in Huntly and the years. serves the town and surrounding area. Ownership Owned by Aberdeenshire Council

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The school has a large 6 court sports hall with a Given the nature of the facility, access to the sports As this is a school, access through a reception area small climbing wall and fitted cricket netting. A facilities are restricted to after school hours and during the day increases the safety of users. The building second smaller hall is fitted with gymnasium weekends. However the current pressure on demand itself is well lit and accessed from the main road. equipment common to 1970’s school builds. There levels restricts most new groups or bookings from is also adequate storage and changing rooms close accessing the facilities. to the sports halls. Full disabled access is available throughout the At present, the community use of available space is facility. high averaging around 80%. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

This 6 court sports hall is marked for all major indoor sports with the addition of Upgrade of cricket nets and a small climbing wall. The floor would floor is in good condition, although it is be beneficial, Main Sports Hall fairly dated and showing minor signs of B/C equipment wear and tear. showing signs

of age. All lighting, fittings and fixtures appear to be in good working order.

This smaller space is well lit and, as with Equipment the larger hall, has a sports specific floor still showings signs of wear and tear. The wall functioning Gymnasium fitted equipment and storage cupboard B/C however doors are dated but appear to remain in would benefit moderate condition. from upgrading.

There is significant demand on the secondary school to provide facilities for the wider community outwith school hours. Although this is common in all schools, it is important to consder the effect that significant public use has on the schools facilities and equipment, which, as noted, already appear dated. By providing improved facilities elsewhere in the town, the impact on the school can be PROTECT reduced significantly. It may also be possible, then, to work with a smaller number of more regular bookings to increase the provision of partnership working, the provision of equipment and coaching and ultimately improve the overall programme of sport and leisure within the schools curriculum.

Location: Meadows area – adjacent to the all weather pitch and pavilion

6.11 School Pitches Size: Various

Facility Age: Unknown The school pitch area is defined by the boundaries of the road and the artificial pitch and pavilion. At present this is used by the school with an athletics track marked on the grass surface. Ownership Council Owned

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security This space is currently used by the schools, marked Access for the school children follows a direct path The clustering of a variety of sporting facilities at the out with a pitch and athletics running track on the from the school avoiding any roads, however this does Meadows creates an inherent perception of safety. grass surface. include a steep pathway. The pathway from the schools creates a minor risk of The space is entirely open making it accessible to the injury, especially if the weather is poor. general public. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements As this areal overview shows, the provision of sporting space for the school is adequate, however as with the rest of the sports pitches in the Meadows area, there is significant drainage issues and a need for the flood defense work to be Improved completed. B access would Overview – Schools (excluding be beneficial. all weather Pitches When first built, the all weather pitch was No other major pitch use) a significant asset to both the school and concerns. the local community. However after 15 years of flooding and wear and tare, it is no longer fit for purpose.

PROVIDE The recommendation would be to provide a new artificial pitch. The future use of the artificial pitch site should be reconsidered.

48 Location: Seton Drive, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 8DJ

6.12 Huntly Guide Hall Size: 1 Badminton Court sized hall with kitchen, toilets and storage facilities.

Facility Age: Information unavailable This small Hall is used by all female uniformed groups in Huntly and as such is very well used. Inside the facility is in good condition The facility is owned by the Friends of The Guides Charity, used by the local notwithstanding minor dampness. The lack of outside space limits Ownership activities for the groups. Guide groups of all ages.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security This small Hall is home to all female uniformed The facility is centrally located in Huntly and therefore The facility is based in a residential location, with the groups - Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers a short distance to travel for those living in the town. access directly off a main, well-lit road, which gives the as well as a number of adult exercise classes – at The majority of bus routes and both Gordon Schools are increased perception of safety. present Highland Hussle, Jazzercise, and ad hoc on the same street – a couple of minutes walk, making it meetings. accessible for children attending clubs and groups. The building is secure with low risk of unauthorized access.

The hall is currently booked every week on Users of the facility must park on the street due to lack of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday car parking specifically for the Hall. evenings as well as Saturday mornings. Some meetings also occur out with these times. Although parking is free, larger groups may create minor risks to traffic and pedestrians.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The exterior of the building is in reasonable Moderate condition with no significant issues that condition – would affect use. The single glazed windows Some Exterior B should be replaced where possible to reduce aesthetic the two key issues – hall temperature and paint repairs presence of damp. required.

49 The Hall is in good repair and appears clean and well kept. The single glazed windows are in a relatively poor condition allowing cold air in which creates Windows dampness. This has a negative effect on should be Interior – Main Hall many user activities. B replaced as a moderate The floor is in good condition and fit for priority. some purposes, however it may not be ideal for exercise classes. Substantial storage is available.

Both the toilets and kitchen in the facility No Kitchen and Toilet are in excellent condition having been A maintenance Facilities upgraded recently. required.

The Guide Hall is heavily used and as a result should benefit from a number of small improvements. These could include improving the ENHANCE buildings exterior and reducing the effects of dampness inside by replacing the single glazed windows.

Location: Glass Village, Huntly This facility comprises a one badminton court sized Hall with a small stage, 6.13 Glass Hall Size: storage and kitchen facilities.

Glass hall is located in the village of Glass, 10 minutes from Facility Age: Extended in 1993 Huntly. It serves around 120 households in the village and surrounding areas and is used heavily throughout the year. Plans The facility is owned and managed by a local committee of village for a replacement hall are at an advanced stage through the local Ownership representatives. user group. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security

This Hall sits at the heart of the village of Glass The rural location of this Hall presents the expected The building is secure and set in an open space in the and is used by the local residents for various challenges to access – larger travel distance, lack of centre of the village. Walking to and from the venue in the activities. Bookings are in made almost every public transport etc. However those living in the dark may pose a slight risk due to lack of lighting out with night of the week with larger events occurring village and surrounding areas face this as the norm the village, and lack of walkways / pavement, however throughout the year. for attending any venue or activity. Many of the users this is to be expected of a facility of this type. will walk to the Hall with others driving or sharing The Hall is held in high regard locally, such that lifts. plans are significantly developed to replace the Hall with a larger, better functioning facility. It The facility is run locally, and access to the hall is has been determined that a larger overall managed through the local volunteer group. footprint is required to suit a larger and younger local community. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

There are no imminent issues with the outside of the building or its structure. Windows have been replaced within the No last five years. The roof is water tight and maintenance Exterior weatherproof. There have been some B urgently problems with frost in the pipes, however required. the development of a new facility should overcome this. The parking area hosts the local recycling bins.

The main hall space itself is in good condition in spite of its age. The floor is fairly basic but fit for purpose for low level sports and No exercise activities. A main stage is used for maintenance bands, shows and events and currently is too required Interior Hall, Kitchen small. B pending the and Storage etc. development The kitchen is in good condition despite of new limited space for the usage levels. facility.

Glass Hall is run by a community group who have future plans to replace the facility in order to best meet the needs of their PROVIDE community. As the hall provides primarily social event space, the provision of new facilities in Huntly is unlikely to have a negative impact on the usage levels and performance of either the current or proposed Glass Hall.

Location: Princes St, Huntly, AB54 The building contains a main 10m x12m Hall, a smaller working room, 6.14 Huntly Scout Hut Size: kitchen space, toilets and a mezzanine storage space.

Facility Age: Information unavailable This facility is solely used for the Huntly Scout Groups and although it is utilized to the best of its ability, it provides limited options for The building is currently owned by Huntly Scout Group with Trustees from the children to develop the skills associated with the Scouting Ownership movement. There is no outdoor space to use for wilderness skills the wider Gordon Scout group.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The facility is currently used on Monday, Tuesday, Any groups can request to use the facility through The building at present is secure, and its residential Wednesday and Thursday evenings with no other contact with the Scout Group. For this, there is no location means that street lighting is adequate for hours regular bookings out with the Scout Groups. specific fee rather a donation is accepted. However, of darkness. there is little demand for this, as the heating and floor The building has worked to alleviate issues with are not fit for purpose. echo and acoustics, fitting a false ceiling within the last year. Roof repairs have been carried out in the There is no specific parking for the venue and as a last five years, however the inability to heat the hall result, hosting a large number of events may pose effectively still poses a significant problem. issues with street parking.

52 Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The exterior of the facility is in fair condition with repairs carried out on the roof within the last five years. Windows and doors are watertight and No significant Exterior weatherproof and all drainage appears to B maintenance be in good working order. Small spaces at required. the back corners of the building are in need of minor attention with debris and vegetation limiting access and egress.

This 10m-x12m Hall is the primary space used by the Scout groups.

Flooring and Electric heaters are in place but are not fit for heating purpose. Although a false ceiling has reduced Main Hall C/D urgently in acoustics issues, the temperature of the hall is need of still a primary concern for users. replacements. The floor in the hall is in a state of disrepair with some sections around the edges having collapsed.

Kitchen and toilet facilities within the No Kitchen and Toilet building are up to date and in good A/B maintenance Facilities working order. required.

53 The user Storage is currently provided in the groups in mezzanine space behind the rear wall of place would the main hall. This is accessible up a benefit from Storage wooden ladder which poses challenges B/C ground floor and health and safety risks when moving level storage outdoor equipment in and out of the with easier facility for trips etc. access.

Overall, the current use of this hall for the Scouts group is limited and as a result, they are actively seeking to relocate within the PROVIDE Huntly area. A number of options have been identified and are noted within this report. Although the Scout Group will likely proceed with this independently, Huntly and District Developlent Trust and Aberdeenshire Council should be supportive of ths where possible.

54 The club is situated centrally in the town and with easy access by foot and Location: sufficient parking shared with the Linden Centre, Swimming Pool and Rifle Range 6.15 Huntly Cricket Club The Cricket Club has a cricket pitch and moderate sized pavilion with Size: changing amenities and social space. There is small storage capacity on site and recently the car park has been extended within the grounds.

The Cricket Club in Huntly was privately owned before being sold Initially built in 1924, with more recent extension to the building – it Facility Age: for a penny in 1924. It is home to two local teams – Junior and comprises a predominantly wooden structure. Senior. The facilities comprise of a wicket and surrounding grass, car parking, storage and a moderately sized pavilion for changing, spectating and social space. Ownership Cricket club is privately owned by the group.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The facility is home to a junior and senior team, The cricket grounds are locked and secured when not The cricket grounds are surrounded with high secure totaling over 75 members. Aside from training and in use. Access for functions is through the Huntly fences and both entrance gates are locked with secure competition, the social spaces are often used for Cricket Club, however out-with members use, there is code padlocks. As a result, the grounds are protected from events (mostly by members) with profits being no real demand for this. public access and the risk of potential damage. made through bar sales. Being located centrally in Huntly with a number of Huntly Cricket Club has achieved success at sporting facilities and both schools adjacent, there is national level and has produced some high quality sufficient lighting and safe walking pathways in the cricketers. surrounding space. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Rating Requirements Photographic Evidence

The building exterior appears aged but in Maintenance reasonable condition. It has minor ongoing on guttering problems with guttering where minor repairs would be Building Exterior B have been carried out on an ad hoc basis. This beneficial – has been made worse recently with inclement no major weather conditions. concerns.

55 The inside of the pavilion is in good condition with the recent addition of a new kitchen. A large social space and bar takes up the No Building Interior and majority of the inside space along with B maintenance Facilities changing and toilet accommodation. Décor, required. fixtures and fittings seem to be in good condition throughout, notwithstanding minor aesthetic points – walls, paint, flooring etc.

No significant The wicket appears in good condition with all maintenance surrounding grass areas well maintained and required on in good playing condition. wicket Scoring box – although clearly aged, it still Replacing the Wicket, Markings and performs and is fit for purpose. B/C scoring box Outside Amenities. Fencing has some damage as a result of the would be recent poor weather – previous storms have beneficial in caused up to £5000 of damage. the near Car park has been extended and is in future. reasonable condition.

The Cricket Club’s grounds are located in the heart of Huntly and although in generally good condition, would benefit from some upgrading. Due to the nature of their sport, The Club appear to have the basis of a good range of facilities and as a result of this ENHANCE specialist requirement are unlikely to be directy affected by other facility provision in Huntly.

56 The Rifle Range is located next to the Swimming Pool, adjacent to the Gordon Location: Schools, however it is not signposted or marketed externally for licensing reasons. 6.16 Rifle Range The facility comprises a five window shooting range suitable for a variety of Size: levels and distances, a reception area, toilets and a small social space. Refurbished in 2009, the Rifle Range is located between the Linden Facility Age: The facility has undergone significant refurbishment in 2009. Centre and the Swimming Pool, sharing ample parking facilities. Producing national level performers, the centre has increasing The building is owned by the Rifle Club having invested in its development over Ownership membership and caters for all levels and abilities the years. The land is currently under process of asset transfer to the club. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security There are 36 current members at the club ranging The club meets twice per week and is open to new The location of the building means that it benefits from from ages 11 – 86. The club has 2 members in the members, however the nature of the sport requires surrounding streetlights, shared parking and busy under 21 National squad and one recent promotion to specific checks to be undertaken for all new members pedestrian throughput. the national B squad. High level coaching is provided and therefore ad hoc or public use if not an option. with one Commonwealth Games shooter involved in the club. The range is regularly used for training on The Range is less than a 5 minute walk from the town Monday and Wednesday nights with extra ad hoc centre, and the facility is fully accessible throughout with training for the higher-level abilities at other times. no significant maintenance issues. The disabled toilet currently requires repairing to restore it to full working order.

Parking is available which is shared with the Linden Centre and Swimming Pool. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The exterior of the building is in good No structural condition. The concrete structure Building Exterior A maintenance has no notable signage, which is a condition of required the license. There are no maintenance issues.

The range and armory are clean and in excellent condition. With the facility benefiting from renovation and improvement works in 2009, there appears to be no significant further No maintenance requirements. Lighting, fixtures Rifle Range and Armory A maintenance and fittings are in good working order. required

By way of improvements the Rifle Club is looking to introduce new electronic training methods at the Range.

57 The reception and social space are limited in size, however adequate for the size of the Club. Furniture, fittings and fixtures are in good condition, clean and well lit. Maintenance Reception, Social B/C required on Space, Toilets etc. The disabled toilet is currently in a poor disabled toilet condition with some repairs and maintenance required to bring it up to the standard of the facility and ensure accessibility compliance.

Given the specialist nature of the club, it is unlikely that developing facilities in Huntly will have a detrimental impact on the Rifle Range. However the promotion of a Community and Wellbeing Hub will assist the club in it’s development, ultimately increasing members and ENHANCE revenue. This should allow the club to fund their repairs and upgrades highlighted above.

58 Location: 1 Provost Street, Huntly AB54 8BB The facilities consist of one small Dance Studio Hall, a small changing space, 6.17 Jessiman Dance Studio Size: toilet and storage cupboard. Facility Age: Unavailable The Jessiman Dance Studio is run privately by Patricia Ann Jessiman and used to run various dance classes. Ownership Privately owned by Patricia Ann Jessiman.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security

This Hall is used Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and This is a small facility, operating on one level. The age The building is located just off the Main Street in the centre Friday evenings and comprises of a small (less than 1 of the facility means that access through the front door of Huntly in a predominantly residential area. The street is badminton court space), toilets and changing room. is slightly restricted for users with mobility issues. well lit with adequate parking across the road.

The Hall is available for private use in agreement with Jessiman Dance, however there is not a major demand for this at present.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The entrance to the building is difficult to locate, as there is no signage. No Building Exterior The studio building is part of an adjacent A/B maintenance house, which is privately rented. Both required. buildings appear to be in good structural condition.

59 The rehearsal space within this studio is small, however adequate in size for the nature of the business. No Dance Studio A/B maintenance The floor is in good condition and all fittings, required. fixtures etc. including mirrors are secure and in good repair.

As with rehearsal space, this facility is small but meets requirements. There are no No Changing and Toilet significant maintenance requirements, with all A/B maintenance Facilities furniture, fittings and fixtures in good required. condition.

This dance school operates independently and benefits from a strong positive reputation. Should Huntly and Distrcit Devlopment Trust or Aberdeenshire Council provide increased or improved studio facilitiles, it sould consider the impact that this may have on the Jessiman Dance PROTECT School and work with them to support promotion of their classes.

60 Location: 15-17 Gordon Street Huntly The Stewart’s Hall operates on two floors with a small (2 badminton court) hall / auditorium, kitchen and storage on the ground floor, and a number of meeting 6.18 Stewart’s Hall Size: spaces and offices on the first floor. There is a mezzanine balcony furnished with theatre seating to support the use of the auditorium for plays, bands and shows.

Facility Age: Unknown Stewart’s hall is located in the centre of Huntly and is seen as the “town hall” with the local councils using the office and meeting space regularly. Ownership Stewarts Hall is currently owned and operated by Aberdeenshire Council

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The hall is well used for a wide number of community The Stewart’s Hall is located in the centre of Huntly, just The busy location of the Stewart’s hall, opening directly activities. Badminton is played in the main hall off the main square. This location gives easy access for onto a main road in the town gives a safe and secure regularly and a number of community groups use both surrounding residential areas and through the proximity perception for users. the main hall and smaller rooms throughout the week. to local bus routes. Other present activities include, Pilates, yoga, The area around the building and entrance is well lit. kickboxing, band rehearsals, Active Schools activities after school, and various parties and functions.

The local council also makes significant use of the office and meeting space on the first floor. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The Main Hall floor is dated but in reasonable Floor would condition for sports and exercise. The floor is benefit from marked for two badminton courts that are used Main Hall and Stage B upgrading. often by the community. However, there is Otherwise no limited run off space and as such the courts are major issues. not fit for play beyond recreational level.

61 The Stewart’s Hall boasts a substantial kitchen, capable of catering for large events No Kitchen and functions within the venue. The kitchen is A maintenance in excellent working condition with new required modern equipment.

Upstairs the Hall comprises of a number of moderately sized meeting rooms. The No major Meeting Rooms majority of furniture in these rooms is old but B maintenance in good condition. This is in keeping with the required aesthetics of the building.

For the purpose of meetings, local administrative activities etc., the supporting Improved facilities are reasonable and fit for purpose. changing / Corridors, Toilets and However as the Hall is used for drama shower B/C Ancillary Facilities performances, exercise classes and sports the provision provision of showers would be desirable. would be desirable.

Through consultation and audit we have identified a desire to improve the community faciltiies within Strewart’s Hall, specifically with reference to the provision of showers, improved performance and stage equipment and overall cosmetic improvements. As with the Linden Centre, the ENHANCE provision of alternative sports and leisure spaces elsewhere will allow the focus to return to community use space – performing arts, events, fairs etc.

Location: Cooper Park, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4SH 18 hole course with putting green, pro shop, function rooms, bar, and 6.19 Huntly Golf Club Size: supporting changing and ancillary facilities

Facility Age: Course founded in 1892 The Huntly Golf Club provides an 18 hole 67-par course located between the rivers Deveron and Bogie. The course is 5,399 yards and sits near the foot of Huntly Castle. There is also a function suite and Ownership Golf Course is a privately owned business. bar available for public hire.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The Course is an asset in Huntly, attracting players The golf club is located in close proximity to a large There are no major perceptions of risk or danger in and from a wide area. number of sports and recreation venues in the Meadows around the facility, with relatively well lit outside areas and area of Huntly. The clubhouse and start of the course is pedestrian walkways from the centre of the town. The newly refurbished clubhouse and the fully only 5-10 minutes on foot form the town centre and stocked pro shop cater for everyone's needs. many local bus routes.

The function suite and meeting spaces are available for meetings, private functions and events and are used frequently. Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

No The car park is a gravel surface and therefore maintenance at risk of ongoing damage from wet / adverse required on weather. building. Car Exterior B park surface The building exterior is in good condition and may benefit external fittings and fixtures show no signs of from damage. upgrading.

63 The course appears well kept and this is in line with reviews and ratings found online within No additional Golf Course the golfing community. As a functioning golf A maintenance club regular ground maintenance is carried out required ensuring well kept greens and fairways.

The golf club function and meeting rooms are No Function Rooms and spacious and in good condition. A maintenance Facilities Furniture and fittings are appropriate for uses. required

The Golf club is privately operated however it is important for the Huntly and Distrcit Development Trust and Aberdeenshire Council to consider PROTECT its location in proximity to some areas with potential for development.

The Meadows area is located in the north of the town, beyond the Gordon Location: Schools. This area is a hub of outdoor sports provision with the Nordic Outdoor Centre, Tennis Courts, All weather pitch and pavilion on the site. 6.20 Meadows Pitches Marked out as 7 pitches of varying sizes: 60x110, 60x110, 100x60, 90x60, Size: 90x60, 60x40 and 50x40.

Facility Age: Unknown The Meadows area of Huntly is the venue for a number of varying sized sports pitches. Although some refer to the space closest to the road separately as the practice pitches, for the purpose of this report the Meadows Pitches refers to the broad area of pitch provision west Ownership Aberdeenshire Council Owned. of the road in the Meadows area of the town.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security Pitches are used weekly by a variety of clubs, with The pitches in the Meadows area are open to public The hub like cluster of a variety of sporting facilities at the regular and ad hoc usage (often seasonally access and are served by the all weather pavilion car Meadows creates an inherent perception of safety. dependent). Meadows pitches would be considered a park as well as a number of smaller car parks in the better standard than the Market Muir. However, some Meadows Area. pitches starting to show signs of wear and tear – goal mouth areas require re-turfing. Some of younger teams, juveniles etc. would not tend to use the larger pitches at the back because their size is too big.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

At present, there is a significant flood prevention programme planned for the Meadows area and this should alleviate the area from major flooding in the future.

Once completed the value of this area for sport Area would and recreation should be enhanced. benefit from Pitches B/C improved signage and pitch markings.

Throughout the consultation it has been clear that there is significant demands on all pitch provsion in the town. In this respect, any development or investment should look to compliment or add to the quality of pitches in Huntly. It is noted that the flood prevention work ENHANCE planned by the council should reduce the damage and risk to the Meadows pitches and it is recommended that following this, improvements may be made to enhance the quality of facilities in this area.

Location: Cairnie, Aberdeenshire, AB54 4TH The facility comprises 1 badminton court sized multi -purpose Hall, a smaller 6.21 Cairnie Memorial Hall Size: room, kitchen, toilets and storage facilities

Facility Age: Building has been recently upgraded and improved through Lottery funding. The Cairnie Memorial Hall is situated a short distance from Huntly, West on the A96 serving the village of Cairnie. Ownership The facility is owned and managed by a community group in Cairnie.

Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security The Hall is very well used, with a busy timetable of The Hall is managed by a community group with The building and its surrounding area is well lit and in an classes, events and functions. accesses agreed in advance. There is adequate parking open space, providing a good perception of safety. The Hall has recently benefited from Lottery funding space and no limitations for disabled access. which was used to make improvements throughout The Hall is located close to a main trunk road and as a the facility. result, there would be additional risk for those walking or cycling to the venue from out-with the village.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

The exterior of the Hall is in good condition with adequate parking space and well-kept No grounds and outside play space. Exterior A maintenance

required. The brickwork, windows and building fixtures all appear in very good condition.

66 The main Hall has been recently renovated. The floor is lined for badminton and is in excellent condition for recreational exercise No Main Hall use. A maintenance required. All fittings and fixtures are in good working order.

The kitchen within the facility is well equipped and relatively modern. No Kitchen and Ancillary Fixtures and fittings are in good condition A/B maintenance Facilities throughout. Notwithstanding some aspects of required. the facility décor showing its age, there are no major improvements required.

The community clearly makes significant use of the Cairne Hall, and the successful application for Lottery funding highlights the pride held in PROTECT the community, as well as the work the community has put in to improve and enhance the facility. With this in mind, it is important that the delivery of improvements to sports and wellbeing provision in the AB54 area works to protect the Cairnie Hall as an existing community asset.

67 Location: East Park Street Huntly

6.22 Christie Park Size: Football pitch is full size 105 x 72 yards

Christie Park is the home ground for Huntly football Club and Facility Age: First opened in 1921 comprises a full size football pitch, Social Club, Hospitality Lounge and main stand. Leased in perpetuity to Huntly FC. Provost Christie (deceased) bequeathed the use of Christie Park to the most senior football club in Huntly. Huntly Football Ownership Club own the buildings and stand but the land remains in the ownership of the council. Performance and Usage Levels Accessibility Assessment Perception of Safety and Security Facility is used as Huntly FC’ s home ground for Christie Park is easily accessible from Huntly town Christie Park is totally enclosed by an 8’ fence or wall and games in the Highland League. It is used for all home center (2 minute walk) and a 10 minute walk from the has secure gates. Match day entry is through the turnstiles games throughout the football season. It is also used railway station. A public car park is situated directly on East Park Street. by the U20 opposite the park on East Park Street. The ground is also used for one off events throughout There is a public car park adjacent to the ground. the year, fun days etc.

Operational Maintenance Facility Aspect Current Condition Photographic Evidence Rating Requirements

Accommodation comprises Board Room, No Main Stand and Dressing rooms (home and away) First Aid A/B maintenance Accommodation Room, Manager’s Room, Match Officials required. room, Office and Laundry In good condition

68 No Social Club / Club Shop In good condition A/B maintenance

required.

In acceptable condition but would benefit In need of Hospitality Lounge C from replacement. refurbishment

No The toilet block has been built recently and Toilet Block A maintenance therefor remains in excellent condition required.

No Playing Field In excellent condition A maintenance required.

The disabled viewing area has also recently No

Disabled Viewing Area been built and is therefore In excellent A maintenance

condition required.

The pitch at Christie Park is already protected legally by a “lease in perpetuity” and therefore protection of the facility should not be an issue. ENHANCE The Club is well advanced with their plans for improving and enhancing the facility, as highlighted through the consultation.

7 Summary of Demand and Supply

Using the list of potential facilities from the consultation surveys, and the findings from the facility audit, the following table ranks key attributes out of ten. Considering the gravity that some attributes will have over others in terms of deciding on projects most suitable, a weighting has been applied. By multiplying the weighting for the consideration with the rating, a total score has been created ranking each potential development - the top five have been highlighted below.

Indoor Sports Hall Indoor and Studio Dance Health, Fitness Multi Artificial Pitches Outdoor FacilitiesFloodlighting for SkatePark Cycling Facilities Meeting Rooms Spaces Performance and Changing Rooms Sports Facilities Disables CourtsTennis Indoor Athletics Facilities Bowling Greens Dance Studios and Water Features Flumes Pitches Grass Slope Artificial Snowboarding / Ski Facilities Golf Swimming Facilities Courts Tennis Outdoor

use Games Area Games use

Weighting

Pavilion

Demand 10 8 6 4 6 6 3 6 4 4 4 4 2 4 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 1

Lack of Provision / 10 7 6 8 8 6 8 6 2 3 1 5 10 7 9 3 9 1 3 3 1 1 Availability / Quality

Affordability (Capital) 5 8 8 8 5 9 8 5 8 7 8 6 5 4 7 6 4 4 3 5 2 5

Financial Sustainability 5 10 10 8 3 5 8 5 8 8 8 6 5 5 3 8 1 6 9 8 9 3

Ability to Benefit 5 10 9 8 8 2 2 5 10 8 10 6 2 3 2 6 2 8 3 2 4 2 Multiple Groups. TOTAL WEIGHTED 290 255 240 220 200 200 195 190 185 180 180 180 170 160 140 135 130 115 115 105 70 SCORE

RANKING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

70 The options table suggests that the primary focus for Huntly and District Development Trust should look to provide increased or improved availability of better quality indoor sports halls and studios as a first priority. The improvement or replacement of the artificial pitch, and the improvement of floodlighting for outdoor sports facilities has also scored highly.

As a result, it is proposed that the development of a new indoor sports facility with specific focus on an indoor sports hall with ancillary facilities, multi-use flexible working space and a fitness studio is most appropriate to suit the current needs of the community in Huntly.

In addition, or as a second phase if the finances permit, the inclusion of a replacement floodlit artificial pitch would widen the number of user groups benefiting from the investment, and restore an asset that currently, although viewed highly by the community, is in a significant state of disrepair.

The provision of new indoor facilities in Huntly will not only provide suitable space for a variety of sports and leisure activities, but will alleviate the pressure on other venues such as the Linden Centre, Stewart’s Hall and the Gordon Schools where demand is currently greater than supply, and in some cases where activities are taking place that are not so well suited to the venue – fitness classes without adequate changing facilities being a key example.

As a number of other sports and leisure provisions were considered, it would be advantageous for Huntly and District Development Trust to determine a site for this development that allows scope for further expansion. More significantly a focus on a virtual hub philosophy was agreed at the outset, and this now appears to be moving more towards a reality supported by results and consultations.

8 Links to Wider Policies and Strategies

Fitness and Wellness have more recently become crucial policy objectives for the Scottish Government. A range of strategies, white papers and policy frameworks have been published in recent years which stress a health agenda for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, the following examples:

8.1 Active Scotland Outcomes The Active Scotland Outcomes Framework describes Scotland’s ambitions for sport and physical activity. Active Scotland Outcomes contribute to the delivery of National Outcomes and ultimately to the Scottish Government's overarching purpose of creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all to flourish. The framework has been developed collectively with partners through the National Strategic Group for Sport and Physical Activity (NSG), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport. Conclusively, the following outcomes are proposed – and evidently supported by proposed investment and development in the sports, leisure and wellbeing provision in and around Huntly.

We encourage and enable the inactive to be more active. It has been identified that there is a need to reduce inactivity in Scotland with 22% of adults showing low levels of weekly activity in 2014. Huntly has demonstrated a strong demand for

71 sports and exercise with a large number of clubs and facilities present. By ensuring the facilities are protected, enhanced and or provided accordingly, the Huntly and District Development Trust will be facilitating easier access to exercise at all levels.

We encourage and enable the active to stay active throughout life. The report identifies a change in physical activity across life-course and looks to understand how positive levels of exercise and activity can be maintained. By consulting with a wide range of clubs, sports and organizations the facilities strategy proposed by Huntly and District Development Trust will ensure provision meets a broad range of activities to suit a wider community demographic.

We develop physical confidence and competence from the earliest age. We want our children and young people to experience the joy of movement and develop positive attitudes to active living. This outcome is about ensuring all Scotland’s children and young people develop the physical confidence and competence required for a foundation of lifelong participation in physical activity and sport. In Huntly, the community has demonstrated through consultation, a strong involvement in fitness and wellbeing, therefore effective support from organizations such as Huntly and District Development Trust will reinforce these behaviours continuously providing for, and developing the communities’ active leisure interest. This strengthening of a local culture will encourage active and healthy lifestyles from a very young age.

We improve our active infrastructure – people and places. This outcome is about improving the infrastructure in Scotland that enables physical activity. This includes the sports and exercise infrastructure and the built and natural environment. Critically, it is also about enhancing the people side of Scotland’s active infrastructure, the parents, volunteers, teachers, coaches and leaders who play a vital role enabling more people to be more active, more often. Undertaking a facilities strategy clearly demonstrates the importance that Huntly and District Development Trust place on providing adequate and effective provision for sports, leisure and wellbeing facilities, which in turn will support the natural growth of clubs and organization. The proposed hub philosophy behind this project will also enhance the operational abilities of club officials, volunteers and coaches through shared resources, training and group thinking.

We support wellbeing and resilience in communities through physical activity and sport. This outcome is about the development of communities through sport and physical activity, rather than developing sport in communities. Sport and physical activity can be a means to develop wider social outcomes in communities, for example education, employment and crime related outcomes. It is about harnessing the power of sport and physical activity to improve resilience in communities and is widely referred to as sport for development. Huntly and District Development Trust has identified that sports and leisure activities are at the heart of the local community and that the passion behind many clubs, facilities and organisations should be well consulted to ensure any planned development has the maximum positive impact.

We improve opportunities to participate, progress and achieve in sport. The ultimate goal of this facilities strategy, is to support local people achieve access to leisure and wellbeing facilities. By highlighting the needs for investment and adopting an

72 “enhance, protect and provide” approach, Huntly and District Development Trust will ultimately improve the opportunities to participate in a chosen sport. With a number of facilities already working with high-level performance sportspersons, the investment overall should continue to provide effective training space to support success in the future.

8.2 Let’s Make Scotland More Active The National Strategy for Physical Activity (2003–2022), most recently reviewed in 2008, aims to change Scotland’s reputation for inactivity. This Strategy sets out the vision that: "People in Scotland will enjoy the benefits of having a physically active life.” This needs changes in both policy and culture. However, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has noted:

"There is insufficient action and limited policy orientation for encouraging the adoption and maintenance of physically active lifestyles within supportive political, social and physical environments... political leaders and decision-makers need to be convinced of the importance of physical activity for health."

8.3 Scottish Government’s 2014 Legacy Plan This plan sets out the key legacy aims and ambitions and highlights a wide range of initiatives, which will be taken forward with key partners over the next 10 years. The plan focuses on an Active Scotland, Connected Scotland, Flourishing Scotland and a Sustainable Scotland.

Improving the nation’s health is the overarching theme of the plan and the Active Scotland component of the plan includes two key initiatives. Both are aimed at increasing the availability and accessibility of physical activity and sport to individuals and communities that will in turn contribute to improving the health and fitness of people in Scotland.

These initiatives are the Active Nation and the development of Community Sport Hubs. Active Nation aimed to create a popular and high profile movement to motivate people of all ages across Scotland to become more active in the run up to the Commonwealth Games and now beyond. Community Sports Hubs focused on the bringing together of communities of interest to share best practice and shared values across a range of sports. With Huntly and District Development Trust already promoting a “hub concept” across all of its leisure, wellbeing and sports facilities, it is clear that any proposed development as a result of this study will be directly in line with this government policy. 8.4 Reaching Higher: Building on the Success of Sport 21 This is the key Scottish Government strategy for sport and exercise, created in 2007 it sets out the long-term aims for sport until 2020 including the vision that everyone should have access to affordable, high quality community sport facilities and advice and guidance. Reaching Higher focuses on two main aspects of sport and fitness – increasing the quality of sporting facilities, coaching and provisions, and increasing the number of Scottish people taking part in sports and exercise. By including sports facilities within the overall strategy, Huntly and District Development Trust supports both objectives – creating new training facilities, and promoting the associated sports to increase the numbers involved.

73 8.5 Preventing Overweight and Obesity in Scotland: A Route Map Towards Healthy Weight This 2010 joint policy directive set forth by the Scottish Government and CoSLA aimed at helping central and local government decision-makers to deliver long-term solutions to obesity and overweight. With lack of exercise cited as a prominent reason for obesity in Scotland, any expansion or development of facilities that will support a more active lifestyle should be strongly supported.

8.6 Start Active, Stay Active This 2011 UK-wide report published jointly by the four home countries Chief Medical Officers including guidelines on the volume, duration, and frequency of physical activity required at different points in life. With relevance to sports clubs and leisure centres, the report highlights the need for a lifelong approach to fitness and exercise documenting recommendations for each age range. With relation to adults in sport, the report recommends the following:

“Adults should aim to be active daily. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more – one way to approach this is to do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week.”

By ensuring a high quality level of facilities for sports and leisure through the Facilities Strategy for Huntly, participants of the relevant sports and clubs would likely increase the frequency of usage thus bringing their levels of activity in line with the recommendation of the Start Active, Stay Active report.

8.7 Take Life On This Scottish Government Health and Wellbeing campaign promotes healthy, active lifestyles through various online, media and event marketing. The focus is on encouraging people to find activities near them, understand the health implications of inactivity and obesity, and to ultimately reduce the resultant strain on the NHS in Scotland. As consultation has demonstrated there is a significant number of groups in Huntly ranging from moderate social activity, through to fast paced and dynamic sports. Therefore, it is clear, that by developing a succinct facilities strategy in Huntly, the town is looking to encourage it’s residents to remain active and healthy in line with the Take Life On strategy.

74 9 The Concept of Wellness Central to this project is the consideration of health and wellbeing as well as sports and leisure. The term wellbeing embodies a wide scope of activities, service provision and concepts that may be incorporated within a community hub (either physical or virtual). Often, the focus is on both sports participation and performance, however there is an increasing recognition that a wider approach to general wellbeing is important. Often working well alongside a level of sports provision, the following non-exhaustive list provides six key areas of wellbeing that may be incorporated into a community facility project.

Lifelong Learning: Education through adulthood has been identified as a key area for development within many established institutions now delivering programmes of adult learning classes. Working in a wellbeing hub creates opportunities for learning in the local community. Examples may include computer literacy and internet classes for older residents, cooking and healthy living, language classes, book clubs etc. These might be privately delivered, or in some cases, delivered as satellite classes in conjunction with a local education body.

Sport and Fitness: Sport can incorporate a wide variety of activities, from sports clubs to instructor led music classes, Pilates, yoga and the provision of cardio and fitness suites. Providing exercise and fitness under the heading of wellbeing suggests a wider scope of age ranges and user groups, complimenting the more traditional sports participation and performance specific focus of a community sports hub.

75 Alternative Therapies: These are increasing in popularity in all age groups. This may cover a wide range of treatments, relaxation therapies and homeopathic services. Some of these could be integrated with local authority health services, but many will be private and offered by practitioners who may benefit from the availability of a treatments space within a community focused central location. Services may include treatments such as hypnotherapy, rieki, massage, acupuncture and meditation.

Health Promotion: This has always been a primary focus in community centres as they provide an effective channel to market to adults. Whilst schools and colleges are ideal to deliver messages for young people, it is often the adult population who has the greatest need. A wellbeing hub may focus on promoting healthy living through posters and campaigns against smoking, excessive alcohol intake and drug miss-use, however it is more likely that an effective approach would include classes, help groups and the availability of experts for consultation.

Healthy Minds: This is fast becoming both a leading focus and an increasing concern in today’s society. Within the concept of a wellness hub, it would be prevalent to factor activities and uses that promote positive mental health. These may be common interest social groups or merely the provision of space in which local residents can meet. It may also be considered that services are provided to assist those who may suffer from mental health issues.

Community Support: This should always be a primary focus of any community hub, whether it is for sports activities or wellbeing focused. Support activities may include OAP groups, childcare groups, mother and toddlers and after school groups. Groups of this type are vital in the development of children, families and the support of vulnerable groups in society. Support options within a hub may also be more formal, with the inclusion of housing services, care services or local council services. There is also the opportunity to base any community development group or representative within the centre, thus retaining the focus of community within the physical hub itself.

With specific reference to Huntly, it is clear that the Huntly and District Development Trust consider aspects of health and wellbeing to be an equally important part of the facility strategy. This resonates with the consultation surveys in which it is shown that a number of venues are used for activities broader in range than just sport and fitness.

76 10 Inspiring Examples

10.1 Mintlaw and Central Buchan Initiative (MACBI)

Mintlaw has a population of around 3,500. The MACBI Hub is centrally located in the village of Mintlaw, adjacent to Mintlaw Academy, Pitfour Primary School, Mintlaw Health Centre, the Library and the all-weather pitch.

It was opened in April 2014 at a cost of approximately £2,068,000 and they did not have to pay VAT on the construction cost because it was a new building for community use and the group is a charity. The land was sold to the group for £1.00.

Mintlaw and Central Buchan Initiative (MACBI) had initially thought the project could be funded mainly from the Big Lottery Fund and mentors were made available to help them through the Big Lottery processes. However, after much exploratory work it transpired the project did not meet the criteria and another funding approach had to be adopted.

Capital funding was secured from the following sources;

Funding Source Amount SRDP/LEADER £450,000 Own Funding £235,000 Sportscotland £250,000 Aberdeenshire Council Capital Grant £50,000 Aberdeenshire Council £200,00 Planning Gain £818,000 Robertson Trust £20,000 Quarry Gift Materials £30,000 Local Fund Raising £15,000 Total £2,068,000

77 The main facilities comprise;

• Multi-purpose hall (2 badminton court size with temporary staging that can be assembled for events) • Fitness room • Soft play area • Meeting rooms • Changing rooms • Lounge/viewing area • Café (franchised out) • Reception/foyer

Building Layout

78 Uses of the Centre There is a good balanced programme of activities catering for all sections of the local community. Notable successes include instructional programmes with 200 children receiving gymnastics instruction a week and a waiting list of 300.

All types of fitness classes are popular and the Hub has a busy active programme. They have a breakfast club as well as after school activities.

The Hub is staffed by a full time manager, 3-part time supervisors and 6-part time leisure attendants. They also have a number of part time coaches and instructors.

The range of activities includes: yoga, aerobics, martial arts, badminton, keep fit, dance, etc.

GROUP ACTIVITIES: drama, singing and music making, youth groups, mums and toddlers, interest groups.

EVENTS: concerts, shows, exhibitions, fairs, conferences, training.

79 CENTRE USERS:  Individuals: fitness room, lounge, viewing gallery, and cafe.

 Clubs and Groups: youth club, dance school, badminton, karate, senior citizens groups/clubs

 Organisations and Businesses: meetings, conferences, training.

Income and Expenditure Year One The Hub generated an income of approximately £285,000 resulting in a first year profit of approximately £50,000. The café is franchised out generating approximately £10,800 rental income/year.

80 10.2 Axis Centre Newmachar

Newmachar Parish has a population of around 3600 so it makes a good comparator for Huntly. In 2014 the Axis Centre was opened as a new focal hub to meet the needs of the rapidly growing community. Prior to this there was a village hall but it was no longer fit for purpose as it had only one room (so one group at a time), suffered from poor ventilation, dampness and condensation and didn’t really meet the needs of a growing community.

The Centre cost £1.4m to build and with good VAT advice the group were able to claim Zero Rated VAT input on the construction costs, being a new build and for community use, operated by a charity. They were not able to recover VAT on professional fees, e.g. architect QS, engineer, legal etc.

The Newmachar Community Centre Association (NCCA) board followed a similar route engaging with Big Lottery staff but, as with Mintlaw, the criteria for securing Big Lottery Funding was not met.

The group therefore adopted an alternative funding approach.

The project was funded from the following;

 Fundraising £120,000  Planning gain £194,000  Aberdeenshire LEADER £200,000  Sportscotland £250,000  Aberdeenshire Council Towns and Villages Fund £250,000  Robertson Trust £20,000

The Axis Centre employs 2 full-time staff and 3 part-time staff, not including the cafe.

81 The building is now fully operational and in the first year of trading after loans and other expenditure were deducted the facility made a surplus of approximately £12,000. This was after funding purchases of equipment throughout the year.

There have been several major issues relating to the under floor heating construction which has resulted in flooring having to be lifted, the rooms closed down until dry and flooring re- laid. This is ongoing.

There were also teething difficulties with the café franchise and the group is now on their third franchise holder as the first two did not work out.

They generate approximately £9k/year rental income from the catering.

82 83 11 Site Consideration

11.1 Site Options

At the Scoping meeting it was agreed that rather than focusing on a Sports Hub the concept would be widened to include Community Facilities.

It was also agreed that due to the geographical history of where facilities exist that no single site might be adopted as the base for the Community Hub and the concept of a Virtual Hub was decided. This meant that there might be future provision on any of the 3 natural sites at Market Muir, The Meadows or Christie Park. However, the consultation did ask if there were any other practical sites in addition to these three.

The 3 sites Market Muir, The Meadows and Christie Park are highlighted below.

84 Site Option One: The Market Muir The Market Muir, as shown in the supply audit, is a large open pitch space with changing pavilion located close to the A96 on the outside of the town. The land here is currently allocated for community use and as a result, the space is often used for shows, galas and events over and above the football and rugby training. The site already has car parking in place and its location allows for easy access from the A96 for those visiting the area. There is, however, little room for expansion and a number of concerns regarding increasing the traffic around the neighboring hospital and fire station.

Site Option Two: Christie Park Christie Park is the home of Huntly Football Club’s stadium, the Swimming Pool and Linden Centre. This area is central to sports and community activities in the town with the schools located adjacent to the site. At present, the football club is considering plans to upgrade their facilities – converting the pitch from grass to all-weather 3G/4G.

Site Option Three: The Meadows The Meadows area hosts the majority of outdoors sporting facilities in the town, encompassing the all-weather pitch and pavilion, training pitches, Nordic Ski Centre, tennis courts, cricket pitch and other play space. For the purpose of this site appraisal, the space identified currently hosts the all-weather pitch, pavilion and supporting car park – all of which has a significantly reduced usage rate as a result of the poor condition of the pitch. This particular site allows easy access for both the Gordon Schools, and a wide number of pitches located nearby.

11.2 Site Options Appraisal

This options appraisal table ranks each of the three potential sites from one to five on seventeen key criteria. Each of these criteria has been given a weighting in reference to the level of critical importance for this project. For each site, the weighting is multiplied by the score and the overall weighted scores are totalled.

85 Scoring Criteria For Site Options Appraisal

Site Ownership If owned the score out of 5 is high, if not owned/leased the score is much lower Site Size If the site size is large enough to meet all the requirements it is scored highly out of 5 if not the score is reduced Site Location If the location is desirable/good the score out of 5 is high if not it is reduced Site Topography If the location is flat with few obstacles the score out of 5 is high, if terrain mixed lower score Site Burdens (drainage etc.) If the site has little or no known burdens it scores high out of 5,if there are burdens it scores lower Planning issues Compliance with planning policy framework- If fully compliant it scores high out of 5, if not score is lower Planning issues – Links to local If fully compliant it scores high out of 5, if not score is lower plans Planning issues -Links to If fully compliant it scores high out of 5, if not score is lower National Plans Traffic and Roads Issues- Site If site access is good it scores high out of 5 if poor access it scores Access lower Traffic and Roads Issues- Car If car parking is good it scores high out of 5 if poor access it scores Parking lower Traffic and Roads Issues Access If public transport is good it scores high out of 5 if poor access it to public transport scores lower Traffic and Roads Issues- If cycling links are good it scores high out of 5 if poor access it scores Cycling links lower Synergy with other activities If synergy with other activities is good it scores highly out of five, if not it scores lower

Potential for sharing facilities If potential for sharing services is good it scores highly out of 5, if poor it scores lower

Impact on Community- Level of If level of community support is good it scores highly out of 5, if not it community support scores lower

Impact on Community- Level of If level of Agencies support is good it scores highly out of 5, if not it Agencies support scores lower

Extent to which location fits in If location fits with market demand it scores highly out of 5, if not it with market demand scores lower

86 Option 1: Market Option 2: Christie Option 3: The Muir Park Meadows Weighted Score Weighted Weighted Score Weighting Weighting Weighting Score Score Score

Score

Site Ownership 5 5 25 5 5 25 5 5 25 Site Location 5 4 20 5 4 20 5 5 25

Site Size 5 3 15 5 2 10 5 4 20

Site Topography 5 4 20 5 4 20 5 4 20 Site Burdens (drainage etc.) 5 2 10 5 3 15 5 3* 15 Compliance with Planning Policy Framework 5 5 25 5 5 25 5 5 25

Links to Local Plans 5 1 5 5 5 25 4 5 20

Links to National Plans 5 0 0 5 5 25 5 4 20

Site Access 5 5 25 5 3 15 5 4 20 Car Parking 5 4 20 5 2 10 5 4 20 Access to Public Transport 5 4 20 5 3 15 5 3 15

Cycling Links 5 4 20 5 4 20 5 5 25

Synergy with Other Activities 5 2 10 5 3 15 5 5 25 Potential for Sharing Facilities 5 3 15 5 2 10 5 5 25 Level of Community Support 5 2 10 5 4 20 5 5 25

Level of Agencies Support 5 2 10 5 3 15 5 5 25

Extent to which location fits in with market demand 5 3 15 5 4 20 5 5 25

Total Total Total Weighted 265 Weighted 305 Weighted 375 Score Score Score

From the table above, it is clear that the site at the Meadows site is the most suitable for the development of any new facilities in the area scoring 375 against the Market Muir (265) and Christie Park (305).

*It should be noted that the consideration of this site considers an assumption that the flood prevention schemes highlighted in consultation with council representatives shall be underway and look to be completed in reasonable time. It is likely that work on this site will not be able to commence until such times as this has been completed.

87 12 Recommendations

Stage one of this report audited the existing facilities in Huntly and the surrounding area whilst consulting with individuals, sports and leisure groups, and other key stakeholders to determine the quantity, quality and accessibility of leisure facilities in the AB54 postcode. It has been acknowledged throughout that the drive behind this report is to focus not only on sport and sports clubs, but on the wider leisure and wellbeing community, as was evidenced by the breadth of facilities and groups consulted.

At the scoping meeting the concept of a community sports hub was discussed. It was noted that the concept of a sports hub already existed in Huntly and a range of facilities were already provided by local clubs and groups,

It was agreed that rather than have a single site physical sports hub, that the concept of a “virtual sports hub” maybe more appropriate for Huntly. This philosophy has informed the strategy throughout.

It was also noted that there are a number of sports and sports clubs that have significantly advanced plans to further develop their own facilities for their respective sports, notably football, rugby and cricket. This strategy acknowledges this forward thinking and hopes that its recommendations will impact positively on those plans already being considered.

It has been recognized that community facilities in the Gordon Schools are in high demand, and as a result, there has often been a misconception that these are unavailable or difficult to access. However, the evidence points to the contrary that they are heavily booked and well used, justifying the potential for additional new indoor community facilities.

Reccomendation 1. Based on evidence of need, facilities audit, consultation and community feedback, it is recommended that the first priority should be an indoor community facility comprising of a main hall, dance studio and fitness suite, social space and changing facilities which would also service an outdoor, floodlight, MUGA area or equivalent.

Reccomendation 2. Based on the options appraisal (Section 11) we are recommending the Meadows as the preferred location for any new facility. This will be subject to the full implementation of the Council’s flood prevention scheme, planning and roads and car parking considerations.

Reccomendation 3. It is recommended that Huntly Sports Trust be considered as the appropriate legal entity for progressing and developing the project, and ultimately becoming the owners and operators of the new facilities.

88 Reccomendation 4. It is recommended that stage two of this project should prepare the business case for the creation of such a facility and that architects be given a brief on which they can prepare detailed costed design options

13 Appendices

13.1 Appendix One: School Hall Usage Timetable

The sample bookings table below demonstrates that the school facilities are heavily used between 6.00pm and 10.00pm weekdays and 10.00am and 3.00pm weekends.

Group Percentage Name Day Times Start Date End Date Occupancy Rate 6.00-10.00pm

Huntly Cricket Juniors Monday 6-9.30pm 28thSept 28th March 87.5% Huntly Hockey Club Tuesday 6 – 7pm 27th Oct 29th March 75% Huntly Rugby Club Tuesday 7 – 9pm 3rd Nov 1st March Huntly Cricket Jnrs Wednesday 5 – 8pm 30th Sept 30th March 80% Huntly Netball Club Wednesday 8 – 9pm 30th Sept 13th April Huntly Round Table Thursday 9 – 10pm Term time 25% Huntly Boys League Friday 6 – 9.15pm 2nd Oct 25th March 81.25% Group Percentage Name Day Times Start Date End Date Occupancy Rate 10.00am -3.00pm Huntly Rugby Club Saturday 9.45- 31st Oct 26th March 80% 12noon Huntly Cricket Club Saturday 12noon – 7th Nov 26th March 2pm Cricket Scotland North Sunday 10- 3pm 4/10,1,15,29 100% Nov, 6 Dec, 10,24 Jan, 7,21 Feb, 6,20 March Occasional Bookings

Strathbogie Thurs 27th, Fri 28th, Sat 29th August Horticultural Show Annual Flower Show

Blood Transfusion 30th July, 2015, 22 November, 2015 Service Blood collection 13th March, 20th November,2016 12th March, 2017

Royal Pipe Band 19th March, 30th April, 5th Nov, 2016 Association Competition

89 13.2 Appendix Two: Consultation Comments in Full

Comments Further Expanding the Selection of Preferred Future Development.  To have a better indoor training facility would be ideal

 Young people's views should be taken into account when locally planning.

 there was a proposal to expand the ski centre roller skiing track in conjunction with Scottish cycling which would provide a safe off road facility. A lot of families already use HNOC to introduce their children to cycling

 It would be nice to have fitness classes in one place instead of wondering which venue you have to be at! Most places have old, cold, hard floors. I'd like to see the lines re-painted on the school games hall floor. The Linden Centre to have air con as the rooms are far too hot to workout in. The swimming pool should have a proper spectator area and small coffee/refreshment area. Cycle lanes would be a lot safer and encourage kids to get out on their bikes more.

 Would love to see a sports hub with lots of things together. This encourages people to be involved in sport when they see other people doing things. We have lots of great clubs in Huntly where children and adults have a great time.

 I think we should capitalise on Britain's/Scotland's successes in world tennis and encourage more youngsters/participation in this sport. I think a fitness suite/gym would be well-supported

 At the moment HRFC does not have a permanent home. We are a growing club and need room to allow all the age groups to train. We would also like a permanent home in the way of a club house. We would be willing to share this with other groups providing it worked for the club.

 We have hosted quite a few concerts over the last couple of years. But the biggest negative impacting factor is the lack of professional sound and light equipment which if achieved would result in a higher caliber of bands and singers appearing.... if i had spin bikes stored here we could offer a spin class

 these fall into my areas however I do think a multi-purpose games hall like Insch I think with space for different games, sports and uses at different times. never be enough but need a better space for encouraging youngsters to play sport in evenings they need a games hall area, even the school one maybe with better access to allow its use if they can sort out its use for evenings and weekends.

 While Huntly is sometimes seen as being well provided for in terms of facilities, I do not think that given the success of the town in sporting terms, we have the facilities that either support or develop this. There is a lot of time wasted by clubs and their volunteers trying to maintain or access facilities, which are often substandard or in the wrong place (cooper park pavilion, ski centre, golf club, Christie Park, Market Muir and Cricket Pavilion to name a few. By working together and better planning we could bring a lot of these together to create a facility that would really benefit the town and support the clubs and groups based here and the performance of the individuals from the town. In order to do this, we need to start with why, then look at How and finish with what - currently we are starting with what and working back - in my view this will not work. If we try to fit a project to the three options presented currently we will have

90 missed an opportunity. This is a once in a generation/lifetime opportunity to take a strategic view of the requirements of the town and put the building blocks in place to deliver this. It might take 10-20 years, but if we do not start with this in mind we will never get the facilities we desire and ultimately it will hold back the development of the town.

 More general facilities to help all particularly easy to use, and easy to look after e.g. adult out door gym, great for older generation to keep active

 Many of the above listed facilities already exist in Huntly but require financial support to maintain or upgrade. Funding from membership fees or use of the facilities does not necessarily generate sufficient funding for this purpose and if fees are increased it becomes unaffordable for many and use of the facilities will decline. Those facilities ticked are seen as the main priorities requiring further development.

 Huntly have many of these facilities but they can always be improved.

Some of the above are already located within Huntly but owned/run by private groups and are not available to other groups due to regular use by the owners/lease holder   Existing artificial pitch now not fit for purpose problems getting access to exist school games hall

 We are a newly formed club, and as such are at the bottom of the waiting list. We have been forced into an 8pm slot, making it too late for quite a few of our regulars, especially mums - who once made up a large proportion of our membership. During Spring 2015, we trained 7-8pm at The Linden Centre (community centre), which was not big enough to play a proper game on, and was not marked out. Before the summer hols we were able to secure a 7pm slot at TGS, as the cricket club were training outside.

 Improve facilities increases training standards and could improve experience of users.

 Indoor gym facilities would benefit members.

 Swimming times for my personal use, public sessions and access to children's pool are poor, a dance/fitness studio space would ideally suit the classes I teach

 We are a dance theatre company and often run extended summer schools for young people. Many of the participants go on to perform with the company. We are non-profit organization that gets project funding from Creative Scotland so that those attending do not have to pay. However, as we do not make any profit from our activities we rely on affordable spaces to work. As we do not have one regular space we can use we have to travel about to find places to work. It would be great to have a regular access to a space and to be able to leave some of our materials/costumes there.

 Having large dance studios would allow us to rehearse in a better environment than those of which are currently available and allow local dance schools to move to larger premises. One larger performance venue capable of seating 300-400 patrons with a large, well equipped stage would allow groups such as ourselves and dance schools, the school to work in better facilities. The Stewarts hall is currently rather unsuitable for large-scale performances and in order to

91 make it more usable and adaptable, we spend upwards of £6000 per show on just staging, sound and lighting.

 They would all improve the facilities available to our community from Pre School to elderly, promoting health and well being

Competitive cycling is quite a niche, we would prefer to see cycling facilities (road/track/dirt/bmx/trials etc.) and associated facilities not exclusively for competitive use but accessible and suitable for leisure use. As we ourselves are not a "sports" club or group many of the questions are not really appropriate to us, although of course we would like to have a say,  especially as there is only a very limited representation locally of actual cycling club/group

 The Huntly Nordic & Outdoor centre would make a great facility for a cycling hub. It could be used for adult cycling proficiency / training. Road training, a sports café (it has a café already) and a cycling changing / shower facility. Also a start point for cycling around Huntly. The Battlehill quarry and woods could be used as a skills park similar to Grantown on Spey and Aboyne. And the whole booking of facilities needs to be looked at as it’s almost impossible to book the school hall / gym for spinning classes or turbo training nights.

Further Comments and Observations from Groups or Organisation Reponses:  We need to have much greater vision than that which is currently being presented, and spend much longer consulting and talking about this before developing and moving forward with options. Huntly is a great town, and per head of population has produced more people that have represented their country/region than any other town of comparable size (if you take TGS catchment as a base). The reasons for this need to be looked at and understood, but I suspect that one of them will be the high level of actives that the population takes part in. More work needs to go into this.

 I am completing this survey in the capacity of the Chairman of the Friends of the Market Muir and in the interests of its members. To that end it should be understood the importance this facility has to the town and its community, its strategic location at the main entrance to the town and its popular use for a variety sporting groups and other public events such as Car Boot Sales, Galas, Circuses, Amusement Fairs and Music Festivals. It should be noted the area of the Market Muir also includes the ground and parking area on the hospital side of King George V Avenue. This use to be a picnic and play park area but now only used for parking. Many young families are keen to see play equipment reintroduced to the Market Muir area. Plans have already been proposed for a new replacement pavilion/changing rooms/multi use hall/kitchen/café adjacent to the existing toilet block. The Market Muir is seen as a facility to complement the sporting facilities at the Meadows and act as an alternative venue where capacity restrictions and/or clashes of activities may be an issue.

 We obviously encourage people to be active for their general health and well-being. Having a readily available list of what is on and when or a central point where people to go to find out more might improve the participation numbers

 Maybe to make recreation more affordable.

92  In general, current facilities are reasonable in Huntly but are regularly used by local groups, there is a severe lack of additional facilities available for general use on a regular basis. We as a group are looking to sell our current hall with a view to relocating to more suitable/purpose built premises therefore we would be interested in the creation of a venue/facility that we have sole access to part of on at least 4 nights per week and often at weekends and that has indoor as well as outdoor space to allow us to deliver the type of programme to our young people that they require

 Needs all leisure facilities to be located in one area as in meadows area as present

 Obviously any leisure activity that encourages participation is good for health and well-being. Having accessible activities is more important than necessarily having facilities, which can be nice and new and shiny, but no good if nothing is happening in them

 So far as I can see, The Gordon Schools cannot accommodate all the clubs who wish to use the sports hall.

 Many halls we approach are a bit baffled by the fact that we need daytime hire- sometimes for 3- 6 week blocks in the summer.

 Huntly has had very little spent on Sporting Facilities over many years, it is high time this was addressed

 There are quite a lot of sports and leisure facilities already in and around the Huntly area, many of which are owned/run but the council. It would be a great shame to waste or continue to underuse existing facilities, or worse, build new ones when we could better utilise those that we already have. More of those that own/run the existing facilities should be encouraged to open their doors and reach out to other groups, in some cases by doing this will make the continued use of such facilities more viable rather than risk them going out of use simply because the intended and promoted use is so limited. There are lots of examples of this in and around Huntly such as the ski centre or so called "outdoor centre", the climbing wall facilities within the school, the Market Muir ground and Pavilion. This is something that the group I represent would like to see change, but in a considered way, and in a way that is sustainable.

 Better, more indoor accessible space, improved artificial pitches and flood preventions, more discussions.

Further Comments and Observations from Individual Survey Reponses:  Can something be done about the acoustics of the schools games hall? We should look to install covered cycle shelters / other cycle facilities at almost all multisport / wellbeing premises in the area

 Although there are facilities in other towns - these have also been flagged up in a Marr-wide consultation as being poorly lit at night and in need of improvement

 I think it is important to seriously consider who to use what is already available, either by upgrading or making more accessible, and ensuring there is a sustainable future rather than building a shiny white elephant which becomes a future burden and causes the other facilities to

93 fall into disrepair. I am not sure this questionnaire will really help to form a picture of what is available, how it is used and what people want

 I'd like a shiny new building, accessible to all, with lots of classes for health & wellbeing. A footbridge over the A96 would mean safer walking / cycling into the countryside.

 More could be made of the facilities already in Huntly.

 I think on the whole the facilities are there albeit that some may require upgrading and improving ... but I would say that we need joined up and grown up conversations to be had regarding accessing them

 We make do but will the next generation? We need to improve all round evening weekend access. We also need outdoor adult gym equipment that is free to use in the play parks. It’s great and I use it in other area of Scotland. So good for all ages a must!

 Bit more joined up thinking required in getting the facilities used.

13.3 Appendix Three: Further Governing Body Comments

Cricket Scotland “The clubhouse is well used by the club and other local groups but it`s not very attractive or inviting for new members and young families. There is no doubt that upgrading the clubhouse and storage facilities would enhance the club`s ability to attract new members, families and spectators as well as to be used further by other local community groups. We are strongly pushing our clubs to look at becoming true `community` clubs that`s at the centre of their community. For this to be realised the level of facility is an important component”.

Scottish Athletics “Currently, there are no athletics clubs in Huntly. There is however a strong jogscotland network. There are 3 Aberdeenshire facility projects identified as priorities in our strategy with a further 2 local projects currently under discussion. Further discussion with the Local Authority would be required to identify their priority projects for athletics facilities”.

Scottish Hockey “Huntly has previously been the main outlet for hockey in the local community and beyond. The area has strong links as far as Inverurie Hockey Club. Any improvement on the pitch would increase the opportunity for the club to grow in a playing and membership capacity.

Huntly is key for school hockey development; the pitch is strategically placed for easy access for regional youth development and competitions.

Competitive hockey can't be played on grass and or 3/4G surfaces. Sand dressed pitches serve best for the majority of hockey activity while water based is considered performance standard.

With the sport being so facility led/based any change in provision could mean growth or conversely drop off.

94 One of the main challenges hockey faces is the redevelopment of "2G" to "3G" - this kills the sport. Please keep in mind that football can be played on a hockey surface but not vice versa.”

Scottish Rugby “Scottish Rugby is keen for Clubs to develop the game at all levels irrespective of age or gender. Currently we believe the facilities available for Huntly RFC restrict their ambitions to develop rugby. Scottish Rugby is keen to work with Huntly RFC to help ensure facilities are appropriate to their needs”.

SnowSports Scotland I think the top 3 points are as follows:

Striding Lanes need to be replaced (my understanding is that Aberdeenshire Council are pressing ahead to replace them in the next quarter and that specifications are being agreed before going to tender) Better management of the centre (centre has 10 pairs of rollerskis and club has the rest, centre has the majority of the boots but not necessarily enough or in the best range of sizes for school groups.) Better up keep of centre grass cutting, path maintenance and tree maintenance

My opinion regarding HNOC, which I believe to be the same as the club, is that it’s not direct investment in assets that the centre necessarily needs but investment in management and a business plan. Currently you could argue that the only thing that needs replacing is the Striding Lanes, which I believe are being replaced. However, in order for the centre to thrive a strategic plan needs to be put in place, which could mean more equipment is required, eg. more rollerskis and more boots in specific sizes if there was to be a lead taken on developing the sport by the centre, as opposed to just hoping the club will drive business in their direction.

13.4 Appendix Four: Email from Scottish Natural Heritage

Thanks for the opportunity to talk about the proposed health and wellbeing centre for the Huntly area on Friday.

Existing facilities in the Huntly area

We do not own or manage any facilities in the Huntly area, however, as discussed there is a range of outdoor activities available in the Huntly area - walking, cycling, cross country skiing etc. It is a pity that the audit didn’t include access provision given the important role physical activity in the outdoors can have in relation to health and wellbeing, but I understand this wouldn’t have been a priority given project originated as a proposal for a formal sports facility.

Specific Information on a number of walks in the area can be found on the Walk Highlands website: Huntly Castle and River Deveron (http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/aberdeenshire/huntly- castle.shtml), Queen Tree Walk (http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/aberdeenshire/queen-tree.shtml), Claschmach Hill (http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/aberdeenshire/clashmach-hill.shtml), Tap O Noth (http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/aberdeenshire/tap-o-noth.shtml) etc. and on http://www.huntly.net/visitors/activities/walking.php

I assume you will have information on access to Forestry Commission Scotland woodlands.

95 Further afield we do manage a number of National Nature Reserves but these I think these will be outwith your area of interest. However, there may still be a role for a health and wellbeing facility to promote opportunities for walks in some of the best sites for nature and landscape in the country.

Whether or not the opportunities for outdoor access, including active travel between settlements and to, for example leisure sites, work etc. meet the communities’ needs is really something that ought to be explored with the local community through your consultation process, particularly if the focus of the strategy is now health and wellbeing rather than simply sports. Similarly, levels of use and quality of these facilities etc. are issues on which the local community will be best placed to comment.

Our Simple pleasures campaign - http://www.snh.gov.uk/enjoying-the-outdoors/simple-pleasures/ - includes information on local walks/routes, including some in the Huntly area. This also includes resources, which can be edited to produce site specific leaflets/posters etc. to promote access which a future centre may wish to make use of.

Benefits to health and wellbeing of physical activity in the outdoors Participation in physical activity outdoors (not just e.g. walking and cycling, but also gardening, outdoor learning,) has been shown to provide a range of benefits to both physical and mental health: positive impacts on aerobic and cardiac fitness, blood pressure, cholesterol, outlook on life, stress reduction, vitamin D production, mitigates depression, weight loss and associated benefits etc. etc. – I can provide more information on this if you like or you can find further information on our website:http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-recreation-and-access/healthier-scotland/

Health walks, for example, can contribute to many of the 5 steps to wellbeing identified by the Network of Wellbeing. Physical activity/ outdoor access can contribute to at least 5 of the 6 key areas of wellbeing identified in your presentation.

What we would like to see delivered by a Health and Wellbeing Facility We would hope a health and wellbeing centre would promote physical activity in the outdoors and the health benefits that it can provide. These could specifically promote walking/cycling opportunities in the local area, but could also, for example include a gardening/allotment project in the grounds and/or an outdoor classroom, development of health walks in the area. We would also hope that such facility would collaborate with local health centres/GPs surgeries to promote the benefits of physical activities outdoors through, for example referrals/prescribing of e.g. health walks.

We would also hope such a centre could contribute to promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

I hope this is useful. I am happy to talk again by phone or to meet to discuss further.