Thorn Athletic Football Club has lodged an application for planning permission for the first part of a major project at its home ground in Greenend Avenue, Johnstone.
The proposals, now submitted to Renfrewshire Council, set out plans for a new state-of-the-art 3G synthetic pitch which would allow year-round football and community use. The pitch, measuring 100 metres by 64 metres with three-metre run-offs, would be supported by modern LED floodlighting, secure perimeter fencing, spectator areas and new dugouts.
The development would also see the creation of a larger car park, expanding capacity to 41 spaces including accessible bays, with an area identified for potential overspill parking in future. The scheme represents the first phase of a longer-term vision to redevelop the site into a modern community sports hub.
Thorn Athletic, who already operate a busy youth and community programme, say the project is designed not only to support football at all levels but also to open the ground up for wider public use. The new facility would be available for local schools during the day, community groups in the evenings and weekends, and free play sessions for young people at set times to encourage participation and positive activity.
Documents submitted with the application highlight that the project will be run with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability and community access. A professional management structure is proposed with staff and volunteers on site daily, supported by a strict programme of health and safety checks, safeguarding policies and a maintenance plan to keep the pitch in top condition. A financial model would see the facility operate on a break-even basis, with surplus income set aside to replace the synthetic surface at the end of its life cycle.
The planning application notes that this is the first stage in a phased strategy. Future ambitions include a new pavilion building with modern changing rooms, toilets and a medical room, a covered spectator stand and additional small-sided training pitches.
A spokesperson for Thorn Athletic Football Club said: “We are delighted to reach another significant milestone with our plans to bring exciting, modern and sustainable new facilities to our community. These plans were driven by evidence gathered during an extensive community-wide consultation process with more than 600 participants and key project stakeholders which began almost three years ago.
“They address the needs identified by the community and represent their dreams and aspirations to transform their area for the better and build on the successful footprint we have put down here over almost two decades.
“Working with established partners, we believe that bringing this project to life can drive social, economic and environmental change that will bring benefits to everyone in the wider community for decades to come.”
Headline photo: An artist’s impression of Thorn Athletic’s long-term vision for Greenend Avenue, showing how the ground could look once all planned redevelopment phases are complete
Photo Credit: CRGP Architects / via Design Statement submitted to Renfrewshire Council