The Galleon Leisure Centre

Phase 2 1 to 10 years

Project Budget: £13.5 million

Riba Stage 0: Business Case Appraisal

Key Stakeholder: Ayrshire 260

The Galleon Centre, originally opened in 1987, has long operated as a highly successful, well-loved core leisure provision in the heart of Kilmarnock. However, as an ageing facility now approaching 40 years of service, it requires considerable structural repair, mechanical and electrical engineering modernisation, and strategic spatial reconfiguration to remain viable. A comprehensive building assessment conducted in 2018 first highlighted a steep trajectory of structural and fabric deterioration. Over the intervening years, the estimated capital costs required for a standard reactive refurbishment have scaled significantly.

What is the future for the Galleon?

A feasibility study and business case is currently in development to assess the best options for Galleon.

Next steps:

The following recommendations for next steps are as follows:

Review feasibility appraisal and determine the best option for a sustainable leisure centre that meets the needs of the community.

Key Criteria Achieved:

Make the town centre more accessible and easy to move around

Enhance blue and green infrastructure for nature, wellbeing, play, recreation and resilience

Incorporate local history, art and traditions into the design of places

Generate inward investment and stimulate a diverse range of economic activity

Provide flexible spaces for a range of economic, recreational and cultural activity, recreation and resilience

Provide opportunities for people to engage with each other fostering a sense of place and empowering communities to take a role in the success of the town centre.

Support health and wellbeing