New community sports hub for Nairn featuring indoor and outdoor bowling, accessible facilities and flexible community space to increase participation, improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
Estimated Price
1900000
Community Project Proposal – Nairn Bowling Club
1. What do you want to do?
Nairn Bowling Club (NBC) proposes to develop a new purpose-built community sports and activity facility within the former Nairnshire Farming Society showfield in central Nairn. The project will relocate the club from its current outdated premises and create a modern, accessible and sustainable venue supporting year-round sport and wider community use.
Funding is sought to support the design, development and construction of the facility, including:
• Construction of a multi-purpose pavilion designed around net-zero carbon principles
• Installation of a six-rink outdoor grass bowling green
• Installation of a six-rink all-weather synthetic bowling green enabling year-round and wheelchair participation
• Development of a three-rink indoor short carpet bowling area for winter activity
• Flexible meeting and activity spaces for community groups
• A community kitchen to support events and catering
• A creche facility to enable participation for parents and carers
• Development of a pétanque court introducing a new sport to the town
• Solar PV panels, battery storage and energy-efficient lighting
• Car parking, EV charging points and outdoor seating areas
The facility will operate as a community hub for sport, recreation and social activity and will significantly expand NBC’s ability to deliver inclusive sporting and wellbeing programmes.
2. Why is your project important for your community?
The current club facilities no longer meet the needs of the growing membership or wider community. They limit participation, restrict accessibility and do not provide suitable space for community use.
The proposed development will create a modern, inclusive and accessible sports venue enabling people of all ages and abilities to participate in physical activity, social interaction and community programmes.
The project aligns strongly with priorities identified in the Nairn Area Place Plan and wider community planning priorities including those of NHS Highland and Highland Council. These include:
• Improving health and wellbeing through increased access to sport and physical activity
• Reducing social isolation, particularly among older residents
• Supporting young people and families through inclusive recreational opportunities
• Encouraging volunteering and community-led initiatives
• Providing flexible meeting and activity space for community groups
• Promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure
The new facility will provide a safe and welcoming space for community sport, social activities and intergenerational engagement.
3. What positive impact will your project have?
The project will deliver significant health, social and community benefits by expanding participation in sport and providing accessible community facilities.
Within the first five years NBC expects to achieve:
• Increase club membership from 100 to 250 members
• Provide weekly sporting opportunities for over 250 participants
• Introduce approximately 150 new participants annually through coaching and outreach programmes
• Deliver youth coaching programmes engaging 50+ young people each year
• Provide accessible sporting opportunities for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges
• Enable 15+ local community groups to regularly use pavilion facilities
• Host 100+ community meetings, activities or events annually
• Expand the volunteer base from 20 to around 40 active volunteers
The facility will also support regional competitions and the reintroduction of the Nairn Pro-Am Bowling Tournament, attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.
4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what are your next steps?
The project has progressed significantly and several key milestones have been achieved.
Community Engagement and Support
NBC has undertaken extensive engagement with members, local organisations and community partners. The need for improved sports facilities is recognised within the Nairn Area Place Plan (Section 4.2).
Project Planning
A strategic vision and feasibility work have been completed. Initial design work and planning approval for the development have been secured.
Land Agreement
An agreement has been reached with the Nairnshire Farming Society to purchase approximately 1.5 acres of land within the former showfield site.
Next Steps
• Complete land purchase
• Submit a Building Warrant application
• Prepare detailed tender documentation
• Issue tender to prospective construction partners
• Continue community engagement and partnership development
• Submit further funding applications
• Finalise project financing and procurement arrangements
These steps will enable the project to progress to the construction phase.
5. Anticipated Start and End Dates
Funding will be staged in line with project phases. Phases I–III have been fully funded and completed. Phase IV – land purchase, Building Warrant and tender preparation – is the next stage requiring funding of approximately £250,000.
Estimated construction start: Early–mid 2027
Estimated completion: Late 2027 to mid-2028
This timeline allows for detailed design, procurement, construction of the pavilion and greens, and establishment of the grass bowling green before the facility becomes fully operational.
.png)
