December 22nd 2011

Council resolves that preferred option is for a new build on the car park

KWAG chairman Keith Small comments: "I believe that building a new centre on the existing car park is now the best option".

However, the position will be discussed at a meeting of KWAG this month, before a full statement is issued.

November 11th 2011

DEVELOPERS CIRCULATE QUESTIONNAIRE

KWAG chairman Keith Small comments: "The Council cannot be bound by the response but could be influenced by the outcome. We have always taken the stance that we must get the best result for the whole community.

The option of building on the car park of the existing Allander is a new suggestion which has certain advantages. However, the main thing the public needs to know is what will be in a new or refurbished centre, rather than the location. The final decision on location, cost and specification is down to our Councillors. They must however, base this decision on all the relevant factors e.g. developer contribution, other funding available, continuity of access to leisure services, etc."

July 4th 2011

COUNCIL OFFICIALS TO COST BOTH NEW BUILD AND REFURBISHMENT

On June 30th, the Council decided to instruct officers to develop two options:

1. Detailed design, cost and funding proposals for the construction of a new sports centre,

AND

2. Detailed design, cost and funding proposals for the refurbishment, enhancement and/or the extension of the existing centre.

The contribution from the developers will have to be discussed. This is not the full wording of the decision but this will soon be available from the minute of the meeting.

It is important to stress that NO decision has been made on new or refurbish. This is about getting all the relevant information about both options so we know exactly what we would get and how much it would cost. We should thank our Councillors for making this sensible decision to have all the facts before committing to a decision that will have a huge impact on our leisure facilities. Both users of the Allander and local communities must be consulted about the proposed facilities, new or refurbished/upgraded.

In the opinion of KWAG chairman Keith Small, the Council must insist that the Developers enter into a legally binding agreement to make a contribution of £10 million towards the final option chosen.

Thanks to all those who have attended meetings, provided comments on wording and helped us to reach this stage. The aim remains to get the best possible outcome for the community.

March 31st 2011

KWAG STATEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF THE ALLANDER LEISURE CENTRE

DO NOT SELL THE ALLANDER TO DEVELOPERS
RETAIN AND REFURBISH THE CENTRE
MAINTAIN THIS VALUABLE ASSET FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The Council must not sell the Allander site to CALA. The Reporter's decision does not oblige the Council to sell our land. The Allander is well used, popular, and valued by all sections of the community. With proper investment all its facilities can be sustained for many years.

The Allander was recently designated "Four Star - Excellent Leisure Centre" by Visit Scotland. There is no evidence that sufficient finance will be available to build a replacement with the size and range of facilities currently provided. The present EDC questionnaire fails to make this clear. Why demolish an excellent facility and settle for something inferior?

Over 5,000 local people signed a petition which included the following; "DO NOT close, sell or in any way remove Allander Leisure Centre or any part of it from public use except for refurbishment or improvement of the existing facility."

Over 1,400 users of the Allander responded to an MSP's survey. 63% wanted to retain and refurbish the Allander. Another 13% said that they were happy with it as it is, the total wishing to retain it was 76%.

KWAG, which is widely representative of Bearsden and Milngavie communities, supports the option to retain and refurbish the Centre. The Council must respect the views of the community and refuse to sell our land.