South Ayrshire Council has just appointed a contractor to build the new athletics facility at Craigie in Ayr.

Heron Bros will start work on the £8.2million landmark project this July, with the facility taking around a year to complete.

The new athletics hub will feature some of the best sporting facilities around, with an eight lane, 400m running track; 60m indoor running track; and a field events area. The facility will also boast a 3G all-weather pitch, along with fully accessible changing areas.

This means that Ayr will be able to host more top-class national sporting events.

The facility, which will be located on the former college site next to Ayr Academy, will have good access to the local roads network and onsite parking will also be available.

Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the Project Steering Group said: “I am delighted that work on this fantastic athletics facility is set to begin soon. It will become not only a focal point for sporting achievement in South Ayrshire, it will also encourage the wider public to get active, providing them with further opportunity locally to grow well, live well and age well.

“This project demonstrates partnership working at its best. With the support and input of Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club, Ayr Rugby Club, Ayr United Football Academy, University of the West of Scotland and Ayrshire College, we know that we will have the best athletics facility possible.”