Sports 01 June 2018

Stenhousemuir Sports Centre Proposal

With general attendance levels at Stenhousemuir Sports Centre falling over recent years and the realisation that there is currently a great demand for a gymnastics facility in the Falkirk area, Falkirk Community Trust are currently consulting with Stenhousemuir Sports Centre customers on the potential to convert this facility into a specialist gymnastics facility.

Such a proposal would transform the facility and would accommodate some local gymnastics clubs, recreational gymnastics classes, mini-gym sessions and local school groups. The profile of gymnastics continues to grow with high profile gymnastic events being broadcast on national television, inspiring more young people to try the sport. With the Glasgow European Games scheduled to take place in August, following strong performances from Scottish Gymnasts at the recent Commonwealth Games, the time could not be better to consider such a proposal. Scottish Gymnastics has had a 166% increase in its memberships over the last six years and the local Tryst Gymnastics Club have a long waiting list that they are unable to satisfy.

Such a conversion would however require the displacement of the existing customers, which is why the Trust is currently seeking feedback from their customers. The Trust is confident that alternative facilities can be offered, however acknowledge that customers may not wish to relocate to other facilities and at other possible times from that which they currently use.
The Trust’s Business Plan, that has already been approved by the Council, identified this potential conversion, however the business case will be further discussed with the Trust’s Board at their next meeting, before the proposal is approved.

The Trust’s General Manager said, “The provision of a purpose built gymnastics facility would make a significant contribution in helping to motivate local children and girls in particular, to participate in an activity which they enjoy. The development of this facility would help ensure its long term financially sustainability as well as provide a local venue that Falkirk gymnasts could be proud of. We are delighted to have had the support of some local gymnastics clubs and our proposal would involve these key clubs as partners, to ensure the success of not only gymnastics in the area, but to improve children’s participation levels”

Further updates will be posted on the Falkirk Community Trust website over the coming weeks.