The former National Sports Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae is poised to reopen its doors after North Ayrshire Council granted planning approval for an ambitious redevelopment project.

At a meeting of the Planning Committee, proposals for the closed National Centre were given the go-ahead. The approved plans include the refurbishment of the existing water sports centre and lodges, the addition of 34 glamping pods, and the creation of a kiosk and campervan parking facilities.

The project involves repurposing the existing water sports centre and three dormitory lodges, bringing the former back into use. These buildings will continue to be used within their current use class, functioning as the main water sports centre building and dormitory lodges respectively. Planning permission was not required for the re-use of these existing structures.


Councillor Robert Foster, Chair of the Planning Committee, commented on the decision: "These are exciting plans and following consideration we were pleased to approve the proposals. We look forward to things progressing in the coming months and ultimately seeing the Centre back in use."

The 34 glamping pods will comprise four distinct types: 20 single-storey one-bed pods, four single-storey two-bed pods, six L-shaped two-bed pods, and four one-and-a-half-storey three-bed pods. All pods will feature pitched roofs and be finished with zinc and timber cladding. Each pod will also have its own grasscrete parking space.

An existing building located to the east of the main water sports centre will be repurposed into a kiosk. The development will also include 22 parking spaces for caravans and campervans near the main building. A play area is planned for the site, along with an area of informal open space to the southwest of the main building.

The National Centre was permanently closed in 2020 following a review. The approval of these new plans signals a significant step towards revitalising the site and its potential to boost tourism and recreation on the Isle of Cumbrae.