Morgan Sindall Construction completes innovative adventure centre in East Dunbartonshire

Morgan Sindall Construction has successfully delivered a transformative £5.6 million outdoor pursuits centre in Twechar, East Dunbartonshire, breathing new life into a previously derelict canal side site.

The Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre, which has now reached practical completion, will provide a vibrant hub for adventure, learning, and community activities when it opens to the public this summer. The facility will serve as a base for water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, alongside cycling and other outdoor pursuits.

Procured through the SCAPE Scotland Framework, the project was delivered for East Dunbartonshire Council with more than half of the project costs secured through external funding, including support from the Scottish Government's Place Based Investment Programme, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, as well as Sportscotland and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

The comprehensive scheme has transformed the vacant site adjacent to the Forth and Clyde Canal with a range of specialist facilities. These include purpose-built storage for water sports equipment with direct canal access, a dedicated wetsuit drying area, and bike workshop and storage facilities.

The centre also features flexible meeting and seminar spaces, fully accessible changing facilities and showers, and sustainable elements such as roof-mounted solar panels to reduce carbon emissions.

In addition, the project scope encompasses extensive landscaping, outdoor seating areas, and the provision of both car and cycle parking to enhance accessibility.

Throughout the build, Morgan Sindall worked closely with East Dunbartonshire Council and Twechar Community Action (TCA), who will manage the centre. The project team also engaged with local schools, including Lenzie Academy, delivering meaningful community benefits alongside the physical construction.

The centre is designed to provide educational, training, and volunteer opportunities, helping to promote regeneration and address disadvantage in the area. Once operational, it will offer activities for people of all ages and abilities across East Dunbartonshire.

Stuart Parker, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said:

It's been great to complete construction works on Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre – it's a fantastic space and when it's open to the public this summer, we're hopeful it will play a key part in improving the health and wellbeing of people in East Dunbartonshire.

The centre has brought fresh life to a previously derelict site and will encourage people to get fit and active. It was also a privilege to work within the community while it was being built, with our team engaging with Twechar Community Action and Lenzie Academy throughout.”

Lillian McDowall, Business Development Manager – SCAPE Scotland, said:

Our goal is to actively support the public sector in the delivery of projects that truly enrich and support local communities, so we’re proud to have been part of this project, which will bring value to the community and lasting benefits to residents for years to come.

We have developed a strong, collaborative relationship with the Council over a number of years through their use of our Construction and Consultancy Frameworks.”

Claire Nelson, Regional Director -Project Management for AtkinsRéalis, said:

I am incredibly proud of our team's accomplishments in delivering the centre. This project not only fosters regeneration in the area, but also embodies the principles of social inclusion, adaptability and educational training.

It has been a pleasure to work on such a remarkable initiative and to continue our partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council and SCAPE Scotland."

ENDS