Major progress made on £1.2m India Tyres Playing Fields project

Contractors have completed extensive groundworks and drainage infrastructure for the first phase of the project at India Tyres Playing Fields off Greenock Road.

The all-weather artificial surface will replace one of three grass pitches at the site and have an environmentally friendly organic corn infill system.

Artist impression showing how the facility at India Tyres Playing Fields could look once complete (Permission for use by LDRS partners, credit: MAC Consulting)

Inchinnan Development Trust (IDT), which was granted planning permission by Renfrewshire Council in December, has shared an update.

Maggie Morrison, operations and development manager, said: “This has never been just about building a football pitch.

“It’s about protecting an important community space and creating something that future generations can enjoy.

“Everything we do is driven by what’s best for the people of Inchinnan, the wider community, our wildlife and our environment.

“We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through the gates.”

Excavators and construction vehicles can be seen at the site as the foundations take shape. Preparation has also been undertaken for the pathways that will surround the pitch.

The floodlights are in place ahead of the completion of electrical connections and the project is “broadly on programme”, with the first phase on track to finish later this year.

Before it opens, the carpet and fencing will be installed, landscaping will continue, electrical works will be completed and a range of health and safety inspections, testing and final approvals will take place.

The prospect of adding CCTV is also being explored to protect the community’s £1.2 million investment.

IDT said on its website: “Importantly, this is only the first phase of a much larger regeneration programme.

“The long-term vision includes improved pathways, enhanced biodiversity, community growing spaces, a children’s play area, a replacement pavilion, improved parking and better facilities for sport, recreation, education and community events.

“The aim is to create a shared green space that benefits everyone – from local clubs and schools to families, walkers, volunteers and wildlife.”

The trust secured a community asset transfer for the playing fields from the local authority in June 2022 and put pen to paper on a long-term lease.