India Tyres Playing Fields Project
Regenergation of a historic playing field
Following on from our success with purchasing Teucheen Wood, IDT recognised that there were various other 'green assets' within our community that we could help to protect and improve in Inchinnan.
Of these, our community members put India Tyres Playing Fields at the top of the list for community intervention and management.
In 2022, the Trust successfully secured a Community Asset Transfer of India Tyres Playing Fields from Renfrewshire Council. With the playing fields now secure, work has started on their regeneration through a 5-year development plan which will transform the site into an accessible, shared greenspace that services our community and is in-line with the Trust's environmental ambitions.
Inchinnan's industrial heritage & tyre works
The Tyres is linked to Inchinnan's rich industrial history with the site originally being used as part of William Beardmore & Company's Inchinnan Airship Constructional Station. The famous R34 airship was built was built on the Inchinnan site in 1918 and went on to become the first aircraft in history to make a east-to-west trans-atlantic flight.
Decline of industry leaves fields at risk
Following the end of airship construction, the remains of the industrial site was taken over by the India Tyre & Rubber Company - giving the playing fields their name. Used for employee recreation and sports clubs, the site was well managed until industry begin decline and India Tyre & Rubber Co. shut their doors in 1981 - leaving the tyres orphaned in the process.
Community Asset Transfer success
Following consultation with our community members, and with the support of Renfrewshire Council and Development Trust Association Scotland, IDT began the process of a Community Asset Transfer to secure the site. Through consultation and planning, the Trust were successful our bid for a transfer - bringing these historic playing fields back into our community's management.
Our vision for India Tyres Playing Fields
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Further community meetings and drop-ins are planned to guide our the project (ensuring the interests of local people are considered throughout) including a steering group that will convene with the Trust and the project’s landscape architect to share opinions, contribute to plans and drive the project forward with residents in mind.
If this is something you would like to be involved with or find out more about, feel free to reach out to us at inchinnandt@outlook.com
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Interested in Using India Tyres Playing Fields?
To register your interest or find out more about future bookings, please contact Alex Copland at alex-idt@outlook.com
As we prepare for the opening of India Tyres Playing Fields, the Trust is putting the systems in place to ensure the facility is professionally managed, well maintained, and financially sustainable.
Our Facilities & Assets Development Officer, Alex Copland, is working alongside Maggie Morrison to oversee the operational setup of the site, including the new online booking system and day-to-day management arrangements.
'The Tyres' is a Renfrewshire-wide community facility - The site has been cared for and used by its existing home youth football club for many years, and that partnership will continue once the new facilities open. In recognition of their long-standing commitment to maintaining and supporting the site, the home club will receive priority access for bookings. The facilities are intended to serve the whole community, and we welcome enquires from clubs, schools, community groups, charities, and other organisations interested in hiring the facilities once its ready for use.
If you would like to register your interest in using the site, or have any questions about future bookings and availability, please contact Alex Copland at alex-idt@outlook.com. He will be happy to discuss the registration process, facility hire, and how your organisation can become part of this exciting new community asset.
