Stewarton's new sports centre will cater for a large number of activities, including badminton, basketball, volleyball, netball and trampolining, and offer a range of fitness classes.

It is expected to open early next month.

After-school clubs will run five days a week at the centre where a fully equipped gym will cater for all levels of fitness and ability.

East Ayrshire Council's community health spokesman, Councillor John McKay, said: "This new sports centre will be fantastic for Stewarton and the whole area.

"The Fifa accredited, floodlit, synthetic grass pitch will be a winner with local footballers as it can be used all year round, and with such a wide range of classes available and a gym, I know that the people of Stewarton, Dunlop and Kilmaurs will make the most of everything it has to offer.

"This facility will have a very positive impact on the whole town."

Designed by the council's Garry Blackwood, and built by Barr Construction Ltd, the centre, on Kilwinning Road, has been in the pipeline since 2009.

Approval was given in July 2010, with work starting in December last year.

Barclay Chalmers, managing director for Barr Construction, said: "The centre will provide a valuable recreational resource for the local community.

"Having worked with East Ayrshire Council for many years, we were delighted to have secured a contract which allowed us to build on our long-standing working relationship.

"As a company founded in Ayrshire, we were also pleased to have been able to secure jobs for local people."

The centre will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm.

For more information, call 01563 554057.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

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