Plans to build an 'urban wellness club' next to Ayr United's Somerset Park have been approved. The proposals were approved under delegated powers at South Ayrshire Council.
Dunure-based recovery brand Wild Ritual are behind the substantial six-figure investment. Founder Matt Innes said the project will combine elite sports recovery with “accessible, everyday wellbeing experiences” open to the whole community.
Facility Design and Features
The hub will be built from three shipping containers attached to each other in a backwards horseshoe formation, sited on the eastern, southern and western sections of the site plan. Timber fencing attached to the containers will create a private internal courtyard to provide services associated with the wellness centre.
Patrons will eventually enjoy outdoor wellness and recovery experiences centred around a sauna, ice baths, contrast therapies, yoga space, together with “recovery and movement space and an associated café and seating area.” The wellness base will sit on land behind United's Railway End, alongside four padel courts which are also set to enhance the site's footprint.
Recovery Services for Ayr United
A supporting statement said: “The wild ritual Urban Wellness Club will be an independently operated business and will also provide recovery facilities and services for Ayr United players.”
“The team will use the facilities at pre-allocated times aligned with its training, match and recovery schedule. Due to the nature of professional football, these requirements will vary from week to week and will be planned in conjunction with the club's sports science and physiotherapy teams.”
Public opening hours will be between 8am and 10pm. Ayr United players may also access the recovery facilities at pre-allocated times aligned with the club's training, match and recovery schedule, which may occasionally include private recovery use outside public opening hours.
Café and Approval Conditions
There will also be an internal café and seating area for the sole use of wellness club guests before and after their booked sessions. A takeaway service will operate through the external serving hatch, primarily serving Soul Padel customers, together with players and families using and attending the Ayr United training facilities. The café trading hours will mirror the public opening hours of the wellness club.
In approving the proposal, with conditions, council papers read: “The proposed wellness centre would provide relaxation and rehabilitation services for the public and the wider Ayr United football Club activities. The proposed wellness centre is considered to represent a well-designed development that contributes positively to place making.”
