Strathclyde Country Park Watersports Centre has received £1.18 million from the Scottish Government’s Clyde Mission Heat Decarbonisation Fund. The funding is the first grant from the Scottish Government’s £25 million commitment to the fund.
Funding for sustainable transformation
The grant forms part of North Lanarkshire Council’s project to transform the building into a world-class sustainable tourism attraction and sporting venue. It will be used to replace the existing end-of-life gas boilers, reducing the site’s carbon emissions by 90% annually.
A 400 Kilowatt closed-loop Water Source Heat Pump system will use sealed pipes submerged within Strathclyde Loch to gather heat energy in the water, supported by 60 Kilowatt peak solar panels. The project will transform the 1970s building into a flagship low-carbon health hub for the whole community.
Official reaction and community benefits
Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn announced the grant during a visit to the centre. He said: “This funding from the Scottish Government is going to help transform the Strathclyde Watersports Centre.”
Council Leader Jim Logue added: “We are investing the lion’s share of the circa £16m redevelopment which will give an old building a vibrant, contemporary and sustainable future which will deliver clear benefits for both the environment and local residents.”
Project completion and wider Clyde Mission
Once complete in 2027, the enhanced facility will deliver improved spaces for families, watersports enthusiasts, community groups and local businesses. When it reopens, Strathshore will include space for small businesses to hire, a ground floor café and seating terrace, improved accessibility facilities, a new base for the Countryside Ranger Service, space for outdoor education, and all existing water sports and bike hire, plus refreshed changing rooms.
Clyde Mission is being led by Glasgow City Region with Argyll and Bute Council. Ross Nimmo, Head of Place at Glasgow City Region, said the first grant is “a further milestone for the wider Clyde Mission programme which is on track to provide a series of recommendations later this year on how we can revitalise the River Clyde Corridor.”
