Repairs to Girvan leisure centre could take two years

The South Carrick Community Leisure group (SCCL), which runs the facility, says damage caused by Storm Isha and other severe weather in January has had a "devastating impact" on the building.

In an update to South Ayrshire Council, SCCL say the centre, which opened to the public in the spring of 2017, was just getting back on track following the challenges of the pandemic when the storm damage dealt it a major blow.

The centre's performance and current situation has been laid bare in a report by SCCL to the council's service and performance panel. 

The report says that an 8.2 per cent increase in income in 2022/23, to £805,000, could not cover a £142,000 rise in outgoings – mainly due to a £69,000 increase in utility costs and £76,000 rise in wages.

The report states: “While it made an overall loss in 2022/23, the SCCL trustees said that this was acceptable given the circumstances, and that they had planned to build on the recovery made through into 2023/24.

“However, those aims were put into question by the January storms, which caused significant damage to TQZ and has seen the facility close for the foreseeable future.”

They expect repairs to take between 18 and 24 months to complete.

In the meantime the trust has been able to lease Maybole Swimming Pool, which had been closed to the public just  to continue its swimming programme.

However, alternatives to the gym and other facilities have not been found.

The Maybole pool, which opened in 1975, only closed its doors in December, upon completion of the new pool at the nearby Maybole Community Campus.

The group receives £200,000 from the council to help operate the Girvan facility, which features a pool, gym, studio space, soft play area and cafe.

In the report, Quay Zone general manager Peter Linton said: “At the beginning of the financial year services were still being impacted by Covid-related restrictions that affected both staff and customers.

The Quay Zone opened in the spring of 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

“However, as we approached the summer of 2023, all mask wearing and isolation periods were relaxed, and we were able to operate more normally for the first time in two years.

“Participation in pool-based activities (fun floats, giant infatables, ‘pool raves’ etc) were increasingly well attended as customer confidence improved and pent up demand started to be realised.

“With council support we also provided free swimming for under 16-year olds
throughout the summer holiday period.”

He said that there had been gradual increase in swim, gym and class membership levels throughout 2022/23, largely returning to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.

He added: “Whilst 2022/23 proved to be a challenging financial year, post Covid activity levels continued to increase and there remains a high level of community support for The Quay Zone and its services which is reflected in this comparatively healthy set of accounts.

“Looking forward the plan had been to build on the post-covid recovery of the year under report and to develop proposals for increasing café and other provision so as to improve services and strengthen the financial position in the future.

“Unfortunately plans and expectations of the 2023/24 financial year were dealt a severe blow by the devastating impact of Storm Isha on January 21/22 and subsequent named storms.

SCCL has agreed a lease for the use of Maybole Swimming Pool for its swimming lessons programme (Image: Google Street View)

“All use of the Quay Zone has had to be suspended as the water penetration following the damage to the roof has rendered the building un-usable.

“Whilst repairs have started, this is a process that is expected will take 18-24 months.

Meantime we are seeking ways to continue to provide services to the Girvan and South Carrick community.

“We have been fortunate in being able to access, and take a lease from SAC for, the former Maybole Swimming Pool.

“This has enabled us to continue to provide a swimming service on an albeit limited, but welcome basis.

"No provision has yet been concluded for other gym and fitness class-based provisions.”

The report will be considered by councillors on Tuesday, April 16.