20th February 2025 By Clark Contracts
Clark Contracts have commenced works on the construction of a state-of-the-art £6.7m Water Sports Hub adjacent to the current Harbour Office in Agnew Park, Stranraer for Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA).
Young people from Stranraer marked construction beginning on the landmark hub overlooking Loch Ryan. The groundbreaking ceremony, led by members of Stranraer Water Sports Association's (SWSA) Kids Club and Young Instructor programme, signalled the start of an ambitious project set to transform the town's waterfront and establish Stranraer as a major water sports destination.
The development has been designed by specialist architect John Renshaw to facilitate the requirements of those participating in water sports and will be constructed to stringent Passivhaus specification. The hub will have changing and showering facilities, class and meeting rooms, café and kitchen facilities, offices and open public spaces. The project is being delivered in partnership with John Renshaw Architects, Cundall, Hardies, and Luths Services, and the new facility is expected to open in summer 2026.
The project has received £4.6m in funding from the UK Governments Levelling Up fund with the other £2.1m coming from DGC development funds, South of Scotland Enterprise, Sports Scotland, the Holywood Trust and RYA.
John Fenwick, Chairman of Stranraer Water Sports Association, said: "After years of planning and hard work, and generous support from our funders, it's wonderful to see construction finally beginning on our new Water Sports Hub. I’m especially pleased that young people from our community have helped mark the occasion.
“This facility will transform what we can offer as an association, creating opportunities for skills development, employment and establishing Stranraer as a premier destination for water sports events and training. It's a major step forward in the regeneration of our town."
Michael Scanlan, Director at Clark Contracts said: “We are delighted to be working with Stranraer Water Sports Association on this exciting project. It is great to see continued development in Stranraer and we are looking forward to continuing to work in the area and providing these high-quality facilities for the local community.”
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