Quay Zone on target for completion early next year

outh Ayrshire Council has been working with facility operators South Carrick Community Leisure (SCCL), to restore the Quay Zone in Girvan following significant storm damage in early 2024.

The strip out of the water damaged interior and checks of all mechanical and electrical installations will be completed this month.

Then, subject to the appointment of a suitable contractor, works to restore the swimming pool and the gym will start in April and should be completed by the end of the year.

An extension is also planned which will provide a larger space for the café at ground and first floor level. An external balcony will be created on the first floor with views across to Ailsa Craig. The extension also means a bigger kitchen area, so there will be additional food and drink options.

Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I'm glad that works to remove the water damaged interior are nearly complete. This is such an important facility for Girvan and South Carrick, that it makes sense to make improvements to the facility while the refurbishment is underway. That`s why extending and upgrading the building to its full potential is so important."

Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: "About 75 percent of the Quay Zone has been taken back to concrete, this has been necessary to allow the building to dry out. The next steps are to restore the pool and the gym area, which along with the studio, soft play and café experienced the worst of the water damage."

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder said: "Given the location of the Quay Zone, it can bear the brunt of bad weather, but luckily the new roof was not damaged following Storm Eowyn. A full inspection discovered that some fixings had lifted, and these have been repaired and new flashing installed. I am looking forward to more updates as the refurb progresses."

Allan Rattray, Chairperson of South Carrick Community Leisure said: "We are delighted that the start of the restoration and planned extension are now in sight. We are acutely aware that the South Carrick Community really miss the facilities provided by the Quay Zone and we are anxious for their swift return. Trustees are grateful to South Ayrshire Council for the additional investment in our facilities and for their vote of confidence in the recreational services the charity has provided over the last seven years. We look forward to providing further updates as the work progresses and timescales can be firmed up."