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.
Background
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.
Community Led Development
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.
February 2025: Construction Begins
Members of SWSA Kids Club welcomed funders, supporters and construction crew to a ground breaking ceremony at the site of the new Water Sports Hub. Despite the wet and windy weather, spirits were high our Association joined together to celebrate this important milestone.
Jenna Hermans and Michael Davitt, both members of the Kids Club at Stranraer Water Sports Association, officially broke the ground to allow construction to begin on the new building. Michael said: “I love water sports as everyone has lots of fun playing and working together.”
Jenna said: “The thing that I like to do the most at water sports is jumping off the paddle boards because it makes me feel happy. I have also learned to sail which I love doing, because you get to have a lot of fun and make new friends.”
Struan Young recently passed the Paddlesport Instructor Course through Stranraer Water Sports Association’s Young Instructor programme. He helped Jenna and Michael break the sod for the new facilities and said: “Stranraer Water Sports has given me lots of opportunities and confidence, from the courses and coaching I have received to start racing in dinghies throughout Scotland and also gaining instructor qualifications. The new Hub will provide so many opportunities to hold events, run activities, socialise and be a great place for young people to learn water sports. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Young Instructor team which will operate from this new building in the coming years, and I can’t wait to see the new building completed.”
Commenting on the build, our Chairman, John Fenwick, added: "We've worked closely with our contractors to ensure minimal disruption to both the championship and our regular activities. We are relocating our operations to the boathouse, which will allow us to continue delivering high-quality water sports experiences for our community throughout the build. I want to thank all our members and users for their patience and understanding during this exciting period of change. The end result will be worth it - a world-class facility that will serve Stranraer for generations to come."
Next Steps
In 2023, the project was awarded Levelling Up Funding which enabled this project to proceed and construction is now underway, with the Hub poised to become a central feature of Stranraer’s waterfront. We will update this page regularly as the Hub takes shape!