Estimated Price

£2,700,000

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Summary

Curl Ayrshire Charity is a new, not for profit company set up in 2024 to build and operate a new, modern curling rink in or around Ayr. The aim of this plan is to deliver a new, international standard, energy efficient four sheet curling rink in South Ayrshire. To not only meet the demands of Curl Ayrshire’s 340 members and associated visitors, but to introduce the sport to people who have never curled and to grow the number of people of all ages in South Ayrshire who will regularly participate

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Description

Curl Ayrshire Charity is a new, not for profit company set up in 2024 to build and operate a new, modern curling rink in or around Ayr.

The aim of this plan is to deliver a new, international standard, energy efficient four sheet curling rink in South Ayrshire. To not only meet the demands of Curl Ayrshire’s 340 members and associated visitors, but to introduce the sport to people who have never curled and to grow the number of people of all ages in South Ayrshire who will regularly participate in the sport. It will be designed to be fully inclusive to people with disabilities. Off season, the building could, if viable, be available for various other ice sports or to other community groups or local sports organisations by melting the ice pad.

Curling in Ayr ceased due to the shareholders of Ayrshire Curlers Limited, who owned Ayr Ice Rink, putting the private limited company into voluntary liquidation on 26th September 2023. This meant the end of curling, ice skating and ice hockey at Ayr Ice Rink.

A Steering Group was formed to examine the possibility of creating a new ice rink, primarily for curling use in the winter but available for other sports in the summer. The rink would be constructed, allowing for improved technology in ice management, enhanced energy efficiency and greater environmental considerations which would make it sustainable.

The organisation has moved forward with its plans and, to date has registered Curl Ayrshire Charity’s Articles of Association with Companies House as a company limited by guarantee with no shareholders; has achieved charitable status with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR); has appointed directors; and has opened a new charity bank account with Virgin Money.

Consequently, Curl Ayrshire Charity is now looking ahead to fundraising and securing a suitable site in Ayr to build the new curling rink. Having looked at a significant number of possible locations it has been concluded that in/around Ayr is the best location, not only for existing members but to attract new members to grow the business.

The expected build cost will be approximately £3m and has considerable backing from Scottish Curling and South Ayrshire Council, as well as strong interest from local politicians and existing 340 members. The business plan will be presented to various national and local funding bodies to support this highly ambitious project.

Curling is built around the ice, but more importantly around the social bonds it creates. The new facility will include seating areas, bar and catering facilities which will help to retain and attract new members.