Fixing up Ayr’s Citadel Leisure Centre would be an ‘expensive sticking plaster’, says an MSP.
Siobhian Brown MSP has branded the centre ‘not fit for purpose’ as she toured the building, alongside SNP MP colleague Allan Dorans, and heard about its 'constant repairs' including damp patches, a leak and cracks in ceiling tiles.
Plans for a new a £50 million leisure centre in the heart of the town were scrapped in May by the new Conservative administration, who pledged £10m for the revamp of the current Citadel facility.
But the SNP MSP says any renovation would merely see the centre become ‘a problem for another day’.
Ms Brown said: “Walking around the centre you can see the areas that are being constantly repaired and, indeed, if the Conservatives revamp it, it will merely be an expensive sticking plaster and a problem for another day.
“The building itself, no matter how much work is done to it, will also fail to come up to Net Zero standards, which will be implemented across Scotland by 2045.
“A new centre was crucial for the town. Those plans were bringing additional business here and there would’ve been more pool capacity for swimming lessons too as well as extra space for health and well-being groups.
“And while the Citadel is being renovated there will be no leisure facilities in Ayr for around two years.
“There was much negativity and misinformation about the new leisure centre, especially concerning the lack of diving facilities.
“The truth is the diving boards are not of competition standards. This along with all other inaccuracies has sounded the death knell for the new centre and I really fear that an opportunity to revitalise the town has been missed.”
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans said The Citadel, which has been in the town for over 50 years, is “well past its best”.
He added: “The maintenance and running costs now make it unviable and have done for several years.
“Despite these conditions, the staff do a fantastic job, but it is now time for a new leisure complex which is better suited to the changing needs of the community.”
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