Stranraer Water Sports Hub

A new purpose-built facility for water sports enthusiasts, the local community, and visitors alike, the new Water Sports Hub will open in 2026. The Hub will be a hugely exciting step forward for water sports activities, training and tourism experiences on Loch Ryan.

The Stranraer Water Sports Hub will be a state-of-the-art facility, purpose-built to accommodate a wide range of water-based and community activities. It will include: 

• Bespoke water sports activity centre equipped with both ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ classroom spaces to support training, workshops, and community programs.
• Community spaces for meetings, events, and social areas for groups and gatherings.
• Training infrastructure including an instructor platform and racing lanes to facilitate professional-level training and events.
• Offshore bathing stations which will provide safe and accessible swimming areas.
• An active beach area to encourage recreational use of Loch Ryan’s shores.
• Secure boat storage space and a boat repair workshop.

Loch Ryan offers natural advantages for water sports and coastal activities, and the potential for Stranraer to become a major water sports destination was identified in the SkiffieWorlds 2019 economic impact report.

These findings sparked conversations with Dumfries and Galloway Council as part of the One Waterfront project, an initiative exploring regeneration and opportunities to improve community infrastructure along Stranraer’s waterfront. Following a feasibility study and a community consultation process, the vision for the Water Sports Hub took shape and a full business case was developed in collaboration with the council.

The new Water Sports Hub is is about creating opportunities for Stranraer, and particularly Stranraer’s young people. The project aims to: 

• Support the regeneration of Stranraer and its waterfront.
• Foster a sense of community ownership and pride.
• Boost the local economy by attracting major events and visitors.
• Provide a vibrant, accessible space for all ages and abilities to engage with water sports.

In 2023, the project was awarded Levelling Up Funding which enabled this project to proceed. Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the Hub poised to become a central feature of Stranraer’s waterfront.  We will update this page regularly as the Hub takes shape!