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Instant approval for Dyce sports project

Within hours of volunteers blitzing 2500 homes in Dyce with an awareness leaflet, a specially set-up hotline was flooded with messages backing the proposed eco-friendly state-of-the-art complex. Save

A team of volunteers from the six main bodies initially spearheading the project had distributed the leaflets on a door-by-door basis. Local shops, hotels and businesses were also targeted.

Typical of the comments reaching the info@dycesports.com e-mail hot-line was from a Dyce mother: "I back this proposal 100%! We have young children whom participate in a range of sports and it would be great to have a local sports and leisure complex."

Dyce Sports and Leisure Development Trust (DSLDT) chairperson Sue Lemon said: "This early positive support from the public is fantastic - and we now will be spreading the message far and wide - including all areas of north and North-east Scotland which could reap benefits from such an innovative complex.

"This complex could have excellent spin-off advantages for Aberdeen and the Grampian area. In the gymnastics arena, we would aim to provide a world-class facility with consequent benefits for the North-east economy."

The volunteers included representatives from various community groups and sports organisations including Dyce and Newhills Community Council, Dyce Development and Amenities Committee, Dyce Indoor Bowling Club, City of Aberdeen Gymnastics, Dyce Amateurs FC and Dyce Boys FC.

Also helping out were two of the Dyce ward's four local councillors - Councillors Ron Clark and George Penny. The two councillors are respectively chairman and vice-chairman of Dyce Development and Amenities Committee. Councillor Barney Crockett has also pledged his support.

A public consultation process to gauge opinion for the perceived need and potential support
for the complex is being masterminded by the voluntary, community-led body behind the development - Dyce Sports and Leisure Development Trust (DSLDT)- launched to foster inter-generational sport and leisure activities which lead to healthy recreation.

Its membership is drawn from various community bodies and sports and leisure groups. The consultation process includes a major in-depth questionnaire and market research exercise which will be distributed this month.

The Trust has had financial help from Dyce Development and Amenities
Committee and Dyce and Newhills Community Council, plus a grant of
£10,000 under the Big Lottery Awards for All scheme. It has also had much
help and extensive practical advice from Aberdeen Council of Voluntary
Organisations (ACVO).

The Trust has an invaluable asset and a vital head-start with its plans
in that it has exclusive access to part of a 17-acre site off Pitmedden
Road, Dyce - bequeathed by a local benefactor on the condition that it was
only to be used for sports and leisure facilities for the community -
effectively ring-fencing it for that sole purpose.

The remainder of the land is owned by Aberdeen City Council which has indicated that it is
prepared to lease its land to the Trust on a small annual rental basis.
The Trust hopes to get the go-ahead from the public consultation process
for the ground-breaking complex which will embrace many sports
and leisure activities. The public consultation process will continue throughout this month, and the Trust hopes a decision can be taken to proceed with the project - based on the positive findings of the
research study, by late June.

Should the project meet public approval, and outline planning permission is
sought this autumn, sponsorship would then be sought from the
business, industrial and commercial sectors, and applications made to a
range of grant-funding bodies on a Scottish and UK-wide basis.
* For further information, please log on to www.dycesports.com