An upgraded £2.2m sports facility promised as part of the controversial closure of Auchinleck Leisure Centre is now expected to be completed in August 2027, almost three years later than originally planned.
Project Background and Delays
East Ayrshire Council was told this week that the enhanced Merlin Park development is now in the delivery phase. The latest timetable means the project will be finished almost three years after the council's original aim to have a new 3G pitch in place by the end of 2024.
The Merlin Park development became a key part of the council's plans when it decided to close Auchinleck Leisure Centre and redevelop the former academy site. At the time, the authority said a new artificial pitch and improved facilities at Merlin Park would replace provision lost through the closure, although the existing football pitches were to remain open until the new development was ready.
Since then, the scheme has grown significantly, with additional funding approved to expand the project beyond a replacement pitch.
Council Update and Enhanced Plans
During Thursday's meeting of East Ayrshire Council, SNP Councillor William Lennox asked for an update on progress. Acting Depute Chief Executive David Mitchell said the council had now committed the full budget and was ready to move into construction.
He told councillors the project would now provide much more than originally planned. “It’s now beyond the ambition of just making the drainage good and putting in an artificial pitch that will also have five-a-side marking,” he said. “There are also proposals that maximise the spend, that increase the lighting and the car parking to make it, overall, an enhanced facility.”
Mr Mitchell acknowledged the latest revision to the project, saying that it had moved from April this year to August 2027. He added: “The conversation I had with both Leisure Trust and facilities colleagues this week was that it is imperative that the revised timeline of August ’27 is delivered. The temporary arrangements at Auchinleck are dependent on the opening and the completion of the works at Merlin Park.”
Local Reaction
Councillor Lennox welcomed the update despite expressing disappointment over the delay. “That’s really, really reassuring and I know myself and other local members were a bit gutted to hear it was delayed, but that enhancement is going to be absolutely incredible for Auchinleck,” she said. “I really look forward to seeing that.”
Earlier in the meeting, Council Leader Douglas Reid highlighted Merlin Park as one of the council’s major capital investment projects, telling councillors: “A great deal of work has been undertaken.”
Planned Facilities
The council has previously said the expanded Merlin Park project will include a new synthetic pitch, improved drainage, upgraded floodlighting, additional parking and enhanced facilities for users. The works will also include enhanced spectator viewing, storage for goals, and increased car parking provision with lighting and CCTV.
