Consultation on Cochrane and Johnstone Parks, Alva

Aerial view of Johnstone Centre Clackmannanshire Council has carried out public consultation on proposals for Cochrane and Johnstone Parks.

Proposals

Refurbishment of the Cochrane Hall, with a demountable stage and moveable partition,
Alva Academy swimming pool to be refurbished, with the building extended and renamed the Johnstone Centre,
The Johnstone Centre to bring together the library, community rooms, Community Access Point and public toilets,
The Johnstone Centre to encompass a regional standard gymnastics centre,
Drainage improvements and relaid pitches,
Improved access and parking.

Ongoing Consultation

Proposals are progressing, with the Alva Working Group, Council officers and Councillors meeting regularly to review the design process together.

Public Meeting 8th July 2009

A further public meeting was held on 8th July 2009 at which changes made as a result of the consultation were explained. These changes included removing the proposed partition in the Cochrane Hall and moving the library to the ground floor of the Johnstone Centre.

Comments received during Consultation prompting changes

Proposal must improve heating

Design incorporates a large scale ground source heat pump which will provide constant heat throughout the year. This should save a considerable amount on running costs (estimated by consultant at approx £30,000).

Not enough car parking

Care has been taken in designing the car parking and the layout to minimise the impact on the local road system. Roads have been consulted and the number of spaces provided accordingly.

Roads have been asked to carry out a traffic impact analysis.

Library must be on ground floor

Several comments were made about this, therefore the internal layout of the building was altered to relocate the library to the ground floor. In order to do this the community rooms were relocated to the first floor.

Move entrance from corner

During the redesign to locate the library to the ground floor, the main entrance was moved away from the corner.

Create badminton court

The sunken trampoline pits have been removed from the design and fold away trampolines will be used instead. This has freed up some floor space and a full size badminton court will now be incorporated.

Climbing column

This item received both positive and negative comments, but the redesign to put the library on the ground floor and to move the front of the building back from the road reduced available space, and the column was removed from the design.

Add a sauna/steam room

Priorities for the pool refurbishment were given to upgrading the changing facilities and making them accessible for all.

Community Access Point must be on ground floor

Together with the library there were a number of comments to place the CAP on the ground floor. Similar to the existing arrangement the CAP has been located with the library on the ground floor.

Glass facade too close to housing

The facade has been moved back which has resulted in the loss of some space including the climbing column.

Glass facade overlooks housing

The glass panels which overlooked the housing to the south have been reduced by 66% and replaced with opaque panels. All first floor panels facing directly towards housing have been made opaque.

Community Rooms too small

With the redesign the community rooms have been relocated to the first floor. This has allowed them to be increased in size slightly and a sink and tea making facility added. The rooms will have views over the park.

Is it worth refurbishing a 30 year old building?

The council employed structural engineers to investigate the existing structure. They prepared a report showing the structure to be in good condition.

Operating road sweepers and grass cutters from the building

Grass cutters will not operate from this building. Only one sit-on street sweeper and two hand pushed barrows will be housed in the building.

Existing building attracts vandals

The use of external lighting and the extended use of the building will hopefully reduce the number of vandals. The closing of the school has probably already had an effect.

Revised Plans

You can view or download the revised Ground floor plan and revised First Floor plan from this page.

Consultation period

The consultation began with three public meetings on 12th and 13th March and ran until 11th May. More information is available on this consultation in our Consultation Database.