Bank gives developer a sporting chance
Stephen Barr is looking to the future
A leisure company is limbering up to bring new sporting facilities to the area after netting an impressive deal with the Clydesdale Bank.
Grangemouth-based Little Kerse Leisure Ltd, the firm behind the popular LK Galaxy/Planet Soccer football development, has used £150,000 from the Scottish bank’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee lending initiative to fund new leisure activities at the 34 acre Little Kerse site just off Grange Road.
After receiving the major cash injection, Little Kerse Leisure managing director Stephen Barr lodged a planning application to build a state-of-the-art children’s nursery - with capacity for 80 local toddlers - a new sports pavilion with a modern gymnasium, an indoor studio facility for exercise classes and a cafe.
Mr Barr said: “Since Planet Soccer opened five years ago it has gone from strength to strength and is now a key part of the local community. Every week we host up to 3000 visitors on our football pitches, ranging in age from four to 64 - every Saturday morning we welcome 24 football teams for matches and training.”
The Clydesdale Bank’s EFG scheme facilitates additional bank lending to viable small and medium-sized enterprises and is an alternative to standard commercial loans.
Robert Gibson, Clydesdale Bank managing partner, said: “The development of the site in Grangemouth will bring a whole host of benefits to the local community and we are delighted to support this.”
The development at Little Kerse is still in the planning stage, but Mr Barr is confident work will start near the end of the year.
He said: “We are eager to make the most of our 34 acre site to bring new sporting facilities and development opportunities to the area. The bank’s support has been absolutely key to unlocking this potential.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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