IRVINE’S brand new £5.4million sports facility has opened its doors.

The Circuit, based at Quarry Road, includes a full-size 3G outdoor pitch for football, 9 a-side 3G indoor pitch to allow all-weather training and a 750m closed cycle loop.

The facilities were completed in August and council chiefs say they have been used by some local groups with positive feedback. KA Leisure will operate the facilities and take bookings for the football pitches.

The cycling facilities are free and open for use.

The cycling facilities are complemented by the new Active Travel Hub which opened earlier this summer and offers travel advice and bike hire at The Trinity, and training opportunities at the Circuit closed cycle loop.

Also within the same facilities is the new Circuit Enterprise Hub. This is an incubation facility for small local businesses who aspire to grow and take on their own premises within a 12 month period. It offers subsidised office accommodation for up to 12 new and ambitious early-stage growth businesses with access to business support through the Council’s Business Team that are located in the new offices.

Proposals for the improvement of pedestrian access links to the Circuit are currently being developed, including a link to the Caledonian Car Park and a pedestrian crossing on Quarry Road. Further investment proposals for the sports facilities are also being developed including the improvement of retained grass pitches alongside the all weather surfaces.

The name the Circuit came from consultation with schools, community groups and staff . The business team also liked the name as they regularly have sparks of ideas – leading us again to circuits but this time of the electrical variety.

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy said: “We’re delighted that the Circuit sports hub is open, it’s a significant milestone for the local community and demonstrates the Council’s priority to regenerate the area, adding to recent investments such as the Portal and the ongoing regeneration of Irvine High Street and Bank Street.

To book the new sporting facilities, call KA Leisure on 01294 315133.

To find out more about the incubation space call 01294 449944 or email business@north-ayrshire.gov.uk