Gleniffer Thistle FC has submitted a community asset transfer (CAT) request to Renfrewshire Council for the Lochfield Road Pitches, known as the Marshes, in a bid to secure their long-term future. The club hopes to purchase the land, which includes the car park and an adjacent grass area, and is willing to pay £1,000 for it.
Club announces plans on social media
Confirming its plans on social media, the club said: "Gleniffer Thistle are pleased to announce, following positive feedback from our outreach activities, that we have submitted our request for a community asset transfer of the Marshes, Lochfield Road Pitches."
"Gleniffer Thistle FC are seeking to take on the management of the Marshes in order to protect and improve the quality of the playing surface and to secure the long-term future of the Marshes as a sustainable, inclusive and community-focused sporting and recreational asset that delivers measurable social, health and community benefit for local people."
Objectives and long-term vision
In its submission, the club set out project objectives, including enhancing the quality, maintenance and resilience of the playing fields; developing supporting infrastructure such as improved changing and toilet facilities; and increasing opportunities for participation in sport, physical activity and community recreation for people of all ages and abilities.
The club added: "The club already has an established history of using the Marshes and currently operates under a licence to occupy arrangement with OneRen."
"Community asset transfer represents an opportunity to move from short-term use to long-term investment and stewardship, creating lasting benefits for local residents and safeguarding the site for generations to come."
The club described the Marshes as an "important" sporting asset but said it is underused and does not offer the quality of facilities the community should expect from a space with such potential.
Decision pending
A decision on the application is due to be made at a future meeting of the CAT sub-committee.
