TROON Men’s Shed has provided an update on plans to turn Hosiery Park Pavilion into its own community premises.
The charity hailed an "exciting new chapter" earlier this year after councillors approved a community asset transfer of the building to the group.
Until 2020, the pavilion building was used to provide changing facilities for the football pitches at Hosiery Park.
As a result of new changing facilities in the park being constructed by the council, the original pavilion had no identified use.
Currently, the Men's Shed hires hall spaces in Troon for monthly meetings, attended by more than 30 members.
The transfer will enable Troon Men's Shed to repair and redevelop the pavilion to establish a space which promotes and improves public health, social and environmental wellbeing and regeneration of the area.
Chair Ian Tosh says the proposed transfer of the building is still being negotiated, with work needed before members could move in.
He said: “The asset transfer is in negotiation stage at the moment.
“Because it's been derelict since Covid, there are a lot more hurdles we need to go through.
"The council has given us a £50,000 grant to help do the repairs to make it wind and watertight.
"Then the bigger challenge is to fully redevelop it to modern standards, making it a fully accessible building.
"We are looking at solar panels, installing a little workshop. It's about getting the guys focused and doing something creative again."
An independent valuation put the building’s market value at £15,000 in May last year. However, the group will acquire it for £1.
A large improvement programme would be needed to bring the premises up to modern standards and make it fully accessible.
Troon Men’s Shed began about three and a half years ago and now has between 50 and 60 active members.
Members currently meet on Monday afternoons at Lighthouse Church on Ailsa Road for 'Brew and Blether'.
Ian says members are waiting for a permanent base where they could meet more often, take part in woodworking and other hobbies.
“It could be 10 months to a year before we get the keys, then we have the actual development of it,” he said.
Architects working on the Troon Water Sports Hub are also involved in the pavilion plans.
The group is exploring further support from grant bodies and private donors to fund the redevelopment.
Ian says the building would help tackle isolation and support members’ wellbeing.
“So many of these guys are left on their own now and they really look forward to getting out and talking,” he said.
“It all comes back to the mental health side and feeling as though someone cares about them.
“We want to open up in the evening and invite other groups so community organisations can use it too."
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