KILWINNING’S McGavin Park has moved a step closer to a £2.5million transformation after approval from North Ayrshire Council.

The popular park has been handed over to Ayrshire Communities Education and Sport (ACES Woodwynd) who have big plans to redevelop the beauty spot.

At a North Ayrshire Cabinet meeting this week councillors approved the Community Asset Transfer which will give the community centre full control over the park’s future.

The 20 to 25 year lease was given the go ahead subject to ACES providing evidence that the group have fully progressed with the wider Kilwinning community.

Colin Young, community development officer at ACES, says plans are in motion for a £2.5million redevelopment of the area.

He said: “Obviously we are delighted to officially take over McGavin Park. It’s an area which is very popular with the local community so we are excited about making the most of the space.

“We are planning to put in an all weather football pitch which also doubles up as a tennis court. The existing building which is in the park will be refurbished to include a cafe, a reception, a softplay, a dog walking area, a play area, and meeting rooms. We are still at an early stage with all this at the moment but obviously it will all depend on securing funding, but it’s an exciting time for us.”

Colin also revealed plans to install a purpose-built ‘parkour’ - an area for youngsters to learn free running. If successful, Colin says it will be only the second of its kind in Scotland and will attract free runners from far and wide.

He said: “At the moment there is only one of its kind in Lanarkshire so we thought it would be a good idea to get one in Kilwinning, especially because we have had issues in the past with kids free running in the town centre. This space would give them somewhere legitimate to go.”

North Ayrshire Council says ACES will breathe new life into the park.

The agenda says: “The current application will bring back into use unused parts of the public park and will improve access to physical activity in the immediate area and in the wider Kilwinning locality.

“The organisation is currently in receipt of a recent investment of £150,000 to deliver community activity in Woodwynd, Kilwinning, and they have a good record of providing sports, youth diversionary and community support activity in the area.

“ACES new venture will engage the wider Kilwinning Community in a joint approach to the regeneration of McGavin Park, with significant added value for the local community.

“A planned refurbishment of existing changing rooms, football park, archery area (for the Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers) and new area for families to enjoy picnics and purchase refreshments are all included.”