RAVENSCRAIG Sports Centre is set for a £1.2 million revamp — with a state-of-the-art children’s adventure play area included in the ambitious plans.

In a complete turnaround, the formerly under-threat leisure facility is now in line for a major refurbishment.

The proposals, drawn up by operators Inverclyde Leisure following a community survey, include a clip and climb children’s wall – the first of its kind in Scotland – plus a soft play space and a budget-priced gym.

These proposals come only months after the sports centre was saved from closure.

Paul Travers, from the local community council, said: “We are very impressed with the new plans and we think it will be great for the area. Ravenscraig would have been badly missed by the people of Larkfield and Braeside if it had closed.” The project is to be jointly funded by both the council and Inverclyde Leisure, with the view that it will become self-sustaining.

The full proposals are to completely refurbish the building to modern standards, extend the fitness gym with the creation of a mezzanine floor, provide a clip and climb facility with associated soft play area for younger children, a self-service café and facilities for children’s parties.

There will also be user access to Ravenscraig Stadium.

Inverclyde Leisure boss David McCorkindale said: “We will be working in partnership with the council on this fantastic development.

“We believe it will give families in Inverclyde another exciting option and it’s something completely different from what we already provide at Inverclyde Leisure.

“We expect people to come from all over Inverclyde and outwith the area to experience this facility, and we also think it is important to provide a budget gym.” The community council had expressed concern about how many people in Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton actually took part in the community survey carried out by Inverclyde Leisure.

But Mr McCorkindale said they commissioned a door-to-door exercise, with 300 people taking part from a wide area, and also asked the opinions of those who use the sports centre.

A total of 61 per cent of those questioned said they’d like to see a new affordable gym, 57 per cent backed a new soft play area and 48 per cent supported the vertical climb unit.

A report on the proposals will go before the education and communities committee next week, with councillors expected to instruct senior officials to progress the project.