Works to replace running track at On-X Linwood will begin within months after contract green light

Major works to replace the running track at the On-X Linwood will begin within months after a deal was given the green light.

A contract for the introduction of a new surface was rubber-stamped by Renfrewshire Council’s finance, resources and customer services policy board. The agreement – which could prove to be worth more than £384,000 – will see Allsports Construction and Maintenance take on the project at the sports centre, which is expected to begin in June.

Councillor Robert Innes, an SNP representative for Linwood and member of the board, told the Paisley Daily Express: “I’m delighted to see this significant investment in our sports facility in Linwood. It will benefit people of all ages and abilities, including the national and world-class athletes that train at the On-X with Kilbarchan Amateur Athletics Club.

“It’s so important that we promote healthy, active lifestyles in Renfrewshire so I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of running continue thanks to this brand-new surface being installed over the summer.”

A report to the board explained: “Renfrewshire Council requires a specialist experienced contractor to carry out the installation of a new polyurethane athletics running track surface at the On-X sports centre in Linwood.” It said the contractor will be required to carry out the works to accreditation standards.

The works are anticipated to commence on June 3 and be complete by August 26. However, any changes to these dates will be confirmed in the council’s letter of acceptance. The report added: “The evaluation of tender submissions received identified that the submission by Allsports Construction and Maintenance Limited was the most economically advantageous tender submission.”

A number of community benefits were requested as part of the procurement process and form part of the agreement. These will include an industry awareness event, business advice to either a small to medium-sized enterprise, social enterprise or voluntary organisation and non-financial support for a community project.

Councillors on the board authorised the head of corporate governance to award the contract and its total value of £384,789.08, excluding VAT, which covers the contract sum and a £45,000 contingency spend. The costs will be met by the capital general services budget, as well as external funding which is in the process of being signed off.

The report also said the replacement of the track at the On-X ensures the asset is upgraded and maintained to a “proper standard”. Councillor John Shaw, board convener and SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: “I was pleased to see this contract approved by councillors as it will make a real difference to the running experience at the On-X, with runners of all ages and abilities benefitting from the new surface, and I look forward to the works taking place over the summer during the optimal weather conditions.”

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