An agreement has been reached for a new all weather turf at Volunteer Park in West Lothian.
The new synthetic 3G sports pitch and changing facilities are set to be constructed at Volunteer Park, North Street, Armadale, should appropriate agreement between the relevant parties be achieved.
A meeting of West Lothian Council Executive approved the proposal for the construction of the facilities in Volunteer Park as an alternative to the originally proposed site in Watson Park which is no longer a viable location due to issues surrounding adverse ground conditions which could potentially critically compromise the stability and integrity of the proposed new facilities.
Once it was concluded that Watson Park was no longer a viable site, council officers undertook an exercise to identify suitable alternative locations within the town whilst consulting with stakeholders in the local community including Armadale Thistle Football Club (ATFC) and Armadale Community Football Club (ACFC).
Officers consider that Volunteer Park is the best location for the new 3G sports pitch and ancillary facilities in Armadale. That recommendation is conditional upon satisfactory ground conditions being confirmed and upon ATFC and ACFC working in partnership to agree a suitable operating model for the new facilities.
Officers will now commission site investigation works and engage further with ATFC and ACFC to agree a suitable operating model for the new facilities.
A further report will be presented to the Council Executive in due course to provide an update on the scheme.
Executive councillor for culture and leisure Dave King said: “Council officers considered the viability of six locations for a new 3G football pitch and accompanying facilities in the Armadale area as an alternative to Watson Park. Volunteer Park has been identified as the ideal location following investigation and consultation with the local community. Officers will continue to progress plans and further engage with the local community and football clubs as the project continues to take shape.”
