A grassroots football club in Wishaw, Fir Park Corner FC, has successfully had its request to take over a dilapidated football facility in Overtown approved by the local council. The club’s proposal to regenerate the Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavilion on Castlehill Road was backed by councillors, who accepted a discounted offer of £17,500 for the facility, half of its current valuation.
The North Lanarkshire Council had previously ceased bookings for the site due to low demand and deemed it surplus to requirements. However, Fir Park Corner FC, which already has multiple teams catering to different age groups, aims to use the facility as a base to expand its sporting activities and host community events. The club plans to invest in upgrades to the site’s facilities to improve the overall experience for players and visitors.
The club’s bid was thoroughly assessed by council officers, who noted strong support from the local community. Following a meeting of the North Lanarkshire Council’s communities committee, the transfer of the facility to Fir Park Corner FC was unanimously agreed upon. The club has actively engaged with residents to outline its vision for Overtown, garnering over 350 positive responses in a survey conducted to gauge community support.
To enhance the facility, the club has requested £100,000 in Community Asset funding, which will be utilised for various improvements such as plumbing, joinery, groundworks, roofing, pitch enhancements, signage, security, and parking. The next phase involves finalising the terms of the transfer between the council and the club.
Fir Park Corner FC was originally founded by supporters of Motherwell FC, initially bonding over attending matches together before establishing their amateur team. The club’s chairman, David Fraser, highlighted the potential of the Overtown site, expressing optimism about revitalising it into a thriving hub for football and community activities.
In conclusion, the approval for Fir Park Corner FC to take over the Overtown football facility represents a significant milestone in their efforts to rejuvenate the site. With strong local backing and ambitious plans for development, the club is poised to make a positive impact on grassroots football in Wishaw.