A NEW 3G pitch costing £1.4 million at Victory Park in Girvan has officially opened. 

An official opening was held on Monday, July 8 for the new pitch which has significantly enhanced sporting facilities in the area. 

The project has been ongoing since October 2023, and the pitch has been in use since mid-May.

South Ayrshire councillors, chief officers and Provost Iain Campbell were joined by a range of organisations, sports clubs and community councils to mark the occasion.

The nearby playpark is also being relocated as part of the works, ensuring it can still be enjoyed by local children, and should be completed soon.

Councillor Brian Connolly, the council's portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: "This is brilliant news for the area, and it was great to come together with the whole community to celebrate at the official opening event.

"The new pitch has significantly enhanced the sports and leisure facilities available to the people of Girvan and will make a real difference for local people.

"There's been a clear appetite for a facility that can be used all year round for a variety of activities, and I know many local sports clubs will benefit from the use of the new pitch."

Councillor Alec Clark, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, said: "I'm delighted that the works on the 3G all-weather pitch are complete, and we've been able to mark its official opening.

"It's been a long time coming and Victory Park is a brilliant, central location for this new pitch, with Girvan Academy and Girvan Primary in very close proximity.

"It demonstrates our commitment to providing first class facilities in our towns and villages, and I look forward to seeing it become a hub for local sport." 

The pitch will be bookable via the council's Sport & Leisure app.