An independent school in Glasgow’s West End is looking to transform a public playing field by securing a lease from the city council.
Kelvinside Academy wants to rent part of the Kirklee Playing Fields, currently part of Cleveden Secondary School infrastructure, and improve their condition by developing a modern synthetic pitch with floodlights and a new pavilion/changing room.
The report, which is being brought before the contracts and property committee next week, is asking members to grant permission to begin negotiation with the school on the potential lease.
A value is not available at this stage but if successful Kelvinside Academy will invest a large amount of money into converting the ground from red blaes into a synthetic surface.
The school is asking the local authority to release Kirklee from its current lease on the basis that it is not a well-used sports facility.
The council has also been approached by the academy regarding the possibility of developing a new changing pavilion.
The project would be funded by Kelvinside Academy and it is predicted that while they would receive a lease of the premises, provision would be made for the local community and pupils from Cleveden Secondary school to retain a fair and proportionate level of access to the improved facilities.
A report submitted to the council states that while part of the Cleveden School estate, the playing fields are located approximately 1km from the school, due to their relative remoteness and the nature of the playing surface, the playing fields are underutilised in comparison to other council facilities.
The site, which is 3.7 acres, includes two full-size red blaes pitches with associated fencing, together with a single-storey changing pavilion. Neither pitch benefits from floodlighting.
This Thursday councillors will be asked to approve in principle the off-market letting of part of Kirklee Playing Fields to Kelvinside Academy.
A final decision will be made in due course.
