Building the Tyres: More Than Just a Football Pitch

Written by Ellie Scott, Community Content Creator (Volunteer), following an interview with Maggie Morrison, Operations & Development Manager, Inchinnan Development Trust.

If you've driven past India Tyres Playing Fields recently, you may have wondered what's happening behind the Heras fencing.

Progress Beneath the Surface

There are excavators and construction vehicles on site, the foundations are taking shape, and at first glance it can look as though there isn't much progress, when in reality some of the biggest milestones have already been achieved - Over the past few months, contractors have completed the extensive groundworks, drainage infrastructure and preparation for the pathways surrounding the new 3G pitch. Much of this work will never be seen once the project is finished, but it forms the foundations of a facility that will serve the community for decades to come.

The Road to Completion

As of now the flood lights are in place and waiting for the electrical connection to be completed by Scottish Power Energy Networks. Like many construction projects, some specialist materials are also being sourced from overseas, creating unavoidable delays. Thankfully, favourable weather during the early stages of construction has helped keep the project broadly on programme, and we remain on track to complete phase 1 later this year.

Before the facility opens, there is still plenty to do. The pitch carpet and fencing will be installed, landscaping will continue, electrical works will be completed, and a range of health and safety inspections, testing, and final approvals will take place. The Trust is also exploring CCTV to help protect the community's £1.2 million investment.

Five Years in the Making

Although construction only began this year, the journey started much earlier. In fact, this project has been more than five years in the making. One of the Trust's first priorities was securing the future of the land itself. Before any plans for regeneration could begin, the playing fields had to be transferred into community ownership. Working alongside Renfrewshire Council, the Trust successfully secured a Community Asset Transfer, ensuring this historic site would remain a community asset for future generations rather than being lost to other forms of development.

From Vision to Reality

Raising £1.2 million, securing planning permission, commissioning ecology surveys, preparing legal agreements, designing the project and coordinating utility connections has taken thousands of hours of work behind the scenes. While residents understandably see the construction taking place today, there has been years of planning, partnership working, and determination to reach this point.

The decision to install a 3G pitch with environmentally friendly organic corn infill reflects the Trust's wider vision. Rather than using traditional rubber infill, the new surface uses a sustainable plant-based alternative that supports the Trust's commitment to protecting the environment while delivering a high-quality community sports facility.

Importantly, this is only the first phase of a much larger regeneration programme. The long-term vision includes improved pathways, enhanced biodiversity, community growing spaces, a children's play area, a replacement pavilion, improved parking, and better facilities for sport, recreation, education, and community events. The aim is to create a shared green space that benefits everyone - from local clubs and schools to families, walkers, volunteers, and wildlife.

Our Community at the Heart of the Project

Community involvement has been central throughout the project. The Trust currently has around 117 members and is supported by approximately 21 active volunteers who contribute to projects across Inchinnan. While it proved difficult to establish the larger neighbourhood steering group originally hoped for, local residents have continued to provide valuable feedback, helping shape decisions as the project has developed.

As with any major community project, there have been questions and differing opinions, and the Trust recognises the importance of keeping residents informed every step of the way.

Behind every visible milestone is a dedicated team working to make the project a success. Staff, volunteers, board members, specialist consultants, and contractors continue to work together to overcome challenges, secure funding, and ensure that every decision supports the long-term interests of the community.

As Maggie Morrison reflects, "This has never been just about building a football pitch. It's about protecting an important community space and creating something that future generations can enjoy. Everything we do is driven by what's best for the people of Inchinnan, the wider community, our wildlife, and our environment. We're incredibly proud of how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone through the gates."

We'll continue to share regular updates as construction progresses, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how India Tyres Playing Fields is being transformed into a community asset that Inchinnan can be proud of.

Interested in Using India Tyres Playing Fields?

As construction continues, the Trust is already preparing for the long-term management of the new facilities to ensure they are well maintained, professionally operated, and financially sustainable.

To support this, Inchinnan Development Trust is working with Alex Copland, our experienced Facilities & Assets Development Officer, who brings decades of experience in the development and management of community sports facilities. Alex is supporting Maggie with overseeing not only the delivery of the project but also the operational setup of the site, including the introduction of our new online booking system, facility management procedures, and the systems needed to ensure the playing fields are safe, welcoming, and successful for many years to come.

India Tyres Playing Fields 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.