Issue - meetings

to thank Mr Wilson for his deputation.

The Committee had before it a deputation by Mr Willie Wilson, Kincorth and Leggart Community Council in relation to item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case). (Article 6 of this minute refers).

Mr Wilson advised that the Kincorth and Leggart Community Council, Kincorth Amateur Football Club and Kincorth Community Centre Development Hub were in strong opposition to the Cruyff Court being located at the Kincorth playing field, Kincorth Circle, which remained the only grass area to be used for football in the Kincorth community.

He indicated that the feelings of the residents and the community council had been expressed at meetings which included representatives from the Denis Law Trust, Sport Aberdeen and Council officials, with alternative options being submitted to the community.

He explained that nobody was in support of the Cruyff Court being located on the playing field, and they favoured the option of the unused bowling green at Kincorth Sports Centre (option 3C).

He made reference to the extensive use of the playing field by Kincorth Amatuer Football Team and the Emirates children’s teams with up to 250 children attending each weekend. In addition, the area had been used for the Legends Day, the Kincorth Gala and the resurrection of the Champion Street football tournament which had been a huge success. The pitch was also used as a memorial by the Amateur Football Club.

He intimated that if the Cruyff Court was to be located on the grass area, there would likely be a need for reconfiguration of the current layout, meaning the loss of some children’s pitches

Mr Wilson made reference to the Kincorth Green Space Network, the Aberdeen Local Development Plan and the LOIP (Stretch Outcome 16).

In terms of the consultation process, Mr Wilson advised that it was unreliable given the extremely low amount of votes submitted for this important issue and the number of responses received from out with the Kincorth area.

Reference was also made to a statement by a Denis Law Trustee, which indicated that the Cruyff Court would not be located in an area which would be detrimental to the community. Mr Wilson also read out a letter he received from Stephen Flynn MP.

He concluded by intimating that a Cruyff Court should be located within Kincorth, however it should not be situated in the playing field as the children currently playing youth football on the grass there would lose out.

Mr Wilson responded to questions from members, specifically around the consultation process and the public petition organised by the Community Centre Hub. He also explained that there were three sizes of Cruyff Courts, one of which, would fit into the disused bowling green area.

The Committee resolved:-

to thank Mr Wilson for his deputation.