Football pitches set to return to St James’ playing fields

Old pavilions at the St James’ playing fields were knocked down, with a replacement building earmarked for the site known locally as 'the Racecourse.'

But Renfrewshire Council’s planned improvements, which a report said aimed to restore the location as a “desirable destination” for the beautiful game, were delayed when the tender process resulted in a single bid that was “significantly over-budget.”

Officers have now confirmed that tweaks have been made to the plans with the intention of attracting further interest and a potential contractor.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the economy and regeneration policy board, at which Councillor Iain McMillan, leader of the Labour group, sought assurances on the project.

He said: “Some of us are old enough to remember the halcyon days of the Racecourse, when there were umpteen games on there on a Saturday afternoon.

“When you go past it nowadays, it’s a shame to see this huge expanse of grass lying empty and being used by dog walkers.

“I have nothing against dog walkers but I think it could be put to better use than that.

“Basically, my question is, how likely are we to get the appropriate contractor in to do it and what would be the timescale?”

Barbara Walker, infrastructure programme director, confirmed the council remains committed to completing the project.

She anticipated that it will go back out to tender during the first half of this year.

Ms Walker said it is hoped a new tender will be out for bids in the next three or four months.

“There is absolutely a commitment to go ahead,” she added. “It will be four pitches and it will be in the first half of this year that that tender goes back out.

“Before, it was modular buildings we were looking at and I think the market didn’t really like them, so we’re going out with a more simplified tender and that should hopefully attract further interest and get that moving.”