The Astro Pitch at Memorial Park Gullane is now OPEN as normal. The contractors have repaired the pitch following the Storms of Gertrude and Henry. Can all users please ensure that when you leave the Pitch the gate is closed behind you.
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Temporary Closure of Astro Pitch
Due to damage to the carpet caused by the strong winds on Friday and high winds again forecasted for Monday we have unfortunately have to restrict access to the pitch. Those who have booked the hire of the facility on Sunday and Monday will be able to use the pitch due to it being under adult supervision or it is adult only sessions. Once we know when the pitch will be repaired or the weather allows it to re open for general use a further update will follow.
Up and Running.
The trustees would like to thank everyone who came along on Sunday 6th September to help celebrate the opening of the Multi Sports Pitch here in Gullane. Particular thanks to those who provided home baking and to those who helped serve the tea/coffees/juice etc. Also thanks to North Berwick Pipe Band for providing the entertainment. If you are not already aware the floodlights are now operational, the 7 aside football goals are in situ and thanks to Malcolm Sievwright as are the basketball hoops so we are fully up and running. To book a regular time slot please see the bookings area of the website.
Celebration Time
As previously mentioned we are inviting everyone to come along next Sunday 6th September to help us formally open the new Multi Sport Artificial Pitch here in Gullane (Next to the Primary School). As part of the celebrations we will have the pipes and drums from the North Berwick Pipe Band as well as some refreshments and home baking. Some of our younger footballing stars will be playing on the pitch from 2pm onwards with the older age groups from 2.30pm. The formal opening will be at 3pm with our budding hockey stars showing their skills from 3.15 pm. Hopefully see you on Sunday.
Official Opening of Pitch
To mark the completion of the pitch being developed the Trustees are keen for as many people to come down to the Pitch on Sunday 6th September at 3pm to help formally open the Facility. We hope to see as many people as possible to join us in marking what has proven to be a wonderful community effort.
Together We Have Done It!
Just in time for Gullane Games the Trustees are delighted to announce that Gullane has its own multi use sports pitch. The inaugural use will be during this afternoons Gullane Games hockey event. With thanks to Mark Lucas the Trustees managed to arrange Insurance Cover in time for today’s event. The facility will formerly be opened on Sunday 6th September so please look out for further information on that. Additional info on how to book/use the facility will be communicated in due course. As previously stated it is intended that the facility will be open to all with individuals/clubs/groups who book a particular timeslot taking precedence. This is the community’s facility, use it and enjoy it.
Kames Capital supports Gullane Sports Development Trust
The Trustees are delighted to announce that we have received a corporate donation to meet the cost of purchasing 7 a side football and hockey goals for our new pitch. Kames Capital, the Edinburgh-based investment management business, has made the donation as part of the company’s Community Investment Programme, which supports development initiatives in the communities in which its staff live and work.
The Trustees wanted to ensure that the equipment we purchase is of the highest quality, ensuring both safety for participants and longevity. As a result of Kames Capital’s generous support we will achieve this, with the new goals providing a valuable benefit for many years to come.
In addition to our local youth football and hockey clubs, the equipment will be available for the wider community to use, an important consideration for Kames Capital when making this donation. In recognition of the company’s support, Gullane Hockey Club will also wear Kames Capital’s logo on their shirts next season.
This donation also enables the Trustees to focus on raising the £25,000 we need to complete the second phase of the project and the building of a changing and storage facility. So, while we have made fantastic progress, there is still much work to be done.
Build Phase
The Trustees have recently appointed Allsports CM Ltd as the contractor to build our Multi Sports Pitch. Allsports CM Ltd have delivered a no. of high profile artificial playing surfaces and come highly recommended. This is an extremely exciting phase of the project which we are sure will benefit a large cross section of the community. The proposed start date is 27th April and given the proximity to the school there has been close consultation between the contractor and the ELC to ensure the safety of the children attending the school. The build phase will be c. 6 – 8 weeks. If anyone has any questions please contact the Trustees via the email address on the website.
Happy New Year – Viridor Credits Provide Offer of Funding
The Trustees are delighted to announce that Viridor Credits have provided an offer of finance of £135,000 towards our project to build a Multi Sport artificial pitch and changing facility at Memorial Park Gullane. The Trustees are now in a position to move the project forward and with further funding applications in progress it is envisaged that the community will have its own all weather sports facility later this year. More information to follow.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2014
Planning
Following a lengthy process the trustees are delighted to have outline planning permission to install the multi sports artificial pitch along with a modest changing facility. East Lothian Council have also agreed to Lease the area of land required for the project to the Trust for a period of 30 years. This allows the trustees to approach the major funders who look to have certainty of tenure when providing funding.
The trustees are indebted to Julian Frostwick of JFArchitecture, Main Street Gullane who has guided and advised the trustees throughout this process.
When Will it Happen?
The target remains Spring of 2015. This is very much dependant on SportScotland and one other major funder agreeing to fund the project in one or more phases. With the amount of money raised locally the Trust is aiming to have the project completed in one phase.
Construction
Multi Sports Pitch
The trustees have engaged Malcolm Clapperton of the Scottish Agricultural College to project manage the construction of the pitch. The layout of the pitch (and the changing facility) means that there will remain an 11 aside football pitch in Gullane that will be used going forward. Access to the pitch and changing facility will meet all current disability requirements. The pitch will be fenced and have floodlighting.
The trustees have received three tenders for the pitch build part of the project from three companies that have installed similar pitches across Scotland. The cost of the pitch is expected to be c £170,000 plus VAT.
Changing Facility
The Changing Facility will house two changing rooms with shower and toilet facilities plus a storage room for the sports equipment and small kitchen area. We have approached 3 local builders to submit tenders and whilst there was a substantial difference in the tenders received the cost of the build is expected to be circa £124,000 plus VAT.
Funding
The trustees have been in contact with two major grant funders. The formal application process is underway.
The overall cost of the project is expected to be in the region of £360,000 – £380,000. A significant part of the cost is VAT. The trustees have been in contact with HMRC to clarify if any part of the project is VAT exempt. A lengthy response from HMRC was not favourable but if anyone has any experience or knows of someone who may be able assist please let any of the trustees know via the website or email.
Finally we can confirm that due to enormous generosity from the local community, whether it is from direct cash donations, organising events, sponsoring events the local fundraising total has reached a magnificent £70,000 THANK YOU!
Some of the events and organisers/participants:
Coffee Morning (MAC Club/Gullane Church), Quiz Night (John Tait), Cycle Ride (Doug Lonie), Swimathon (Gilbert & Stanley McLelland and friends), Edinburgh Marathon (Claire Cavers, Joe & Daniel Lumsden & others).
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