Nairn Bowling Club seeks green light for brand new facilities at Farmers’ Showfield
Plans for a brand new clubhouse for a local bowling club are now under consultation.
Nairn Bowling Club has lodged plans with Highland Council to build new facilities at the east end of the Farmers’ Showfield - which is currently owned by Nairnshire Farming Society.
The application is looking into the creation of a new clubhouse, two bowling greens, car parking and public routes.
This comes after a very successful year for the Albert Street-based club, whose growth, according to the application, has prompted the requirement for bigger facilities.
The design statement says: “The vision is not to provide a closed facility. Rather, the building will provide facilities that will be open to the whole community. This will add to the vitality of the town and create use beyond simply bowling.
“The field is mainly used for football, walking and as a pedestrian route. Previous attempts to develop the site have not been successful and have not been in step with the town thinking at the time.
“The proposal is based on a holistic approach to what works for this site and the wider context.”
A two-storey clubhouse will host a carpet bowl space, a creche and locker rooms on the ground floor and a large function room on the first floor, with views over the bowling greens, with a kitchen allowing for catering events, as well as a meeting room for smaller events.
Club Development officer, Bob Ferenth, said they have spent several years developing this project.
He said: “We fully understand that the "farmers' show field" holds a special place in the hearts of the Nairn community. Our proposal aims to preserve this valued space by retaining it as a sporting and community hub that will serve the people of Nairn for generations to come.
“It will also provide funding through the sale of the area of ground to support the Nairnshire Farmers Society to develop their new location for the further benefit of the community.
“Our current facility at Albert Street no longer meets modern requirements for space, inclusivity, or access. As one of Scotland's top three most-played sports, lawn bowls is a vital part of community life, and we are committed to ensuring its future by providing modern, accessible facilities designed to accommodate today’s lifestyles.
“Beyond supporting lawn bowls, our vision embraces the creation of a multi-purpose venue that other small community groups, who currently lack a permanent home, can also use. Our proposal has received enthusiastic backing from Bowls Scotland, alongside numerous letters of support from local organizations, MPs, and the Nairnshire Farmers Society.
“We are keen to collaborate with local residents and the wider community to create a facility that meets the town’s needs and supports its growth. Together, we can ensure that this project benefits Nairn now and in the future.”
A consultation is now running and will be open to comments until February 10 on the Highland Council’s website.
Anyone interested to provide a comment can also email eplanning@highland.gov.uk or post the to ePlanning, eProcessing Centre, The Highland Council, Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, IV3 5NX - quoting the application number 24/04986/FUL.
Although there have been no formal objections to the plans at the time of writing, some concerns were raised on the impact of the new building on surrounding properties - with a post on Facebook group Nairn Rocks attracting more than 200 comments in support or against the application.
Highland Council’s transport planning team, among the consultees, has also requested further information before they can approve or object the application.
