Cumbrae national watersports plans for glamping pod site revealed

As reported last week, plans have been announced to refurbish the former National Watersports Centre at Ballochmartin Bay and build 33 glamping units at the site, after a prospective buyer put in a bid for the property.

The plans also include upgrades to the site and the associated buildings next to the empty centre.

Outline plans have now been revealed at the website of LMA Architects (l-m-a.co.uk) and are available until July 7.

The layout shows a play area, an ice cream kiosk, campervan parking, 33 glamping pods and refurbishment plans for the sports centre.

The proposed site layout on Cumbrae (Image: L M A Architects)

In the design plans, the glamping pods are proposed to be triangle shaped with a glass front and wooden decking.

Although there is not much more revealed, LMA have stated that design developments are still ongoing.

READ MORE: Cumbrae national watersports centre plans seeks public views

Two drop-in consultation events are to be held in Millport, giving the public a chance to find out more about what is being proposed.

The first takes place at Garrison House on Monday, July 1 from noon until 7pm, with a second similar event being held on August 1, again from noon until 7pm.

The former sports centre, which opened in 1976, had been for sale for offers over £550,000.

It was used to host a variety of aquatic activities, including windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing, with professional tuition.

SportScotland, which operated the centre, made the decision to close the facility in early 2020.

The organisation had been working towards delivering its scheduled programme in the summer of that year, but the facility closed when the first Covid lockdown came into effect, and it did not reopen after the easing of restrictions.

The asking price was later reduced to £450,000 in a bid to spark new interest.

The site, covering a total of 11.77 acres, comprises four seven-bedroom residential chalets, a dining hall, kitchen, classrooms and gym, workshops and storage space, and land with "potential for additional development".

The Galbraith Group, which is marketing the property, says the site is now under offer.

READ NEXT: Asking price for former Cumbrae watersports centre slashed to spark new interest

The drop-in events and online consultation are part of a 'pre-application consultation process', meaning no formal application has yet been submitted to North Ayrshire Council, but LMA Architects hope to submit their application in August this year.

Feedback forms will be available at the drop-in events, while members of the public are asked to visit northayrshire.community/consultation/ or email studio@l-m-a.co.uk.