hub South West has announced the start of work on a new all-weather sports pitch and running track at Kilwinning Academy.

The £620,000 facility is scheduled to open this October and also features full LED lighting, a spectator’s area and perimeter fencing.

Michael McBrearty, CEO of hub South West said, “We have been instrumental in making sure that local projects are putting money into the pockets of local businesses and local tradespeople, so that reinvigorating communities does more for those same communities. The pitches at Kilwinning Academy will be a great asset, not just for the pupils, but also for the wider community, by giving them access to state-of-the-art sporting facilities, as well as a community hub to focus upon.”

The site comprises a 98m by 60m area for sports, including an 80m running track, and a 9m by 4m long jump pit.

Tim Swan, headteacher at Kilwinning Academy added, “The sports pitch is going to be a big boost for the school and I know the pupils can’t wait for October to get back out onto their pitch. The project has really come about thanks to the dedicated work of the pupils and parent council, who worked tirelessly to put together the investment and time to ensure the school benefits from a truly first-class sporting facility.”