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).