By Jack Thomson
Copyright dailyrecord
Ambitious plans for a significant redevelopment of a sports facility in Johnstone have been submitted to Renfrewshire Council. Thorn Athletic Football Club have lodged an application for planning permission for the first part of a major project at their home in Greenend Avenue. If given the green light, it would lead to the installation of a new artificial pitch with fencing, spectator area, floodlights and car park at the site. A design statement explained: “The existing site is currently used by Thorn Athletic as a football training ground for its members and hosts regular matches on the existing grass pitch. “The proposal includes a new artificial pitch, associated fencing, spectator area and car park to support Thorn’s growing membership and improve the site’s usability for the wider local community. “The artificial pitch will enable year-round training on the site, when weather conditions prevent use of the existing grass pitch.” This planning application is the first stage of a planned phased redevelopment of the site, with further works intended to enhance the facility. According to the statement, Thorn Athletic aspire to create a pavilion building with additional toilets, changing facilities and medical room; a covered spectator stand; and five-a-side pitches for training in the future. As part of the application, the club have submitted an operational management plan for the new pitch which was prepared by Sports Labs and outlines the procedures and systems that will be in place to manage the resource. The document said it presents a “unique opportunity to galvanise” the community of Johnstone and Renfrewshire. It added: “Their vision [and] aspiration is to use the new 3G pitch to support future involvement with the local community for wider health and wellbeing benefits. “The facility will enable increased community engagement, the development of new activities to benefit more people in a place where the community will feel safe and be able to participate in positive play throughout the year. “The facility staffing approach will reflect this vision and embrace an increased and varied programme.” A decision on the application, which is expected to be made by council officers, will be confirmed at a later date. Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
