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Kidsgrove Sports Centre
KIDSGROVE SPORTS CENTRE Council agrees lease for community group
One of the last remaining milestones has been reached in the heavily anticipated reopening of a refurbished sports centre in the north of the Newcastle-under-Lyme borough.
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The borough council has signed an agreement to enter into a 25year lease with Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group, a registered charity, enabling the group to operate a new and improved leisure service from the existing building once a major renovation programme is complete. Its the final piece of the jigsaw in the centres redevelopment.
Ownership of the property has transferred to the council as part of concerted efforts to provide high quality health and fitness facilities for residents in the town, under a community management model, following the closure of the old and tired sports centre in June 2017.
The latest development comes as a £7.5 million transformation financed by the council in addition to some funding from Kidsgroves advanced Town Deal gathers pace ahead of a planned unveiling in spring 2022.
Construction works, carried out by contractor Willmott Dixon, include a new 25 metre, six lane swimming pool; reception area, sports hall, enlarged gym, dance studio, spin studio and physio room as well as updated changing areas. The major upgrade incorporates aspects such as modern flooring, heating, lighting and ventilation.
Meanwhile, the community group has recently secured £9,720 from the National Lottery Community Fund to create a community hub and café, providing free Wi-Fi and tablets on-site, helping to tackle digital and social exclusion. In addition the project has also secured support and funding from Sport England, Cricket Staffordshire and The Football Foundation towards this much-needed community asset.
Newcastle Borough Council leader Simon Tagg said: The councils agreement to enter into a long-term lease with Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group is another major milestone. This has been a complex project, with many hurdles to overcome, but with a great deal of hard work and determination from both sides, Im delighted to say that the reopening of a new and significantly improved sports centre is just around the corner. I know residents cant wait to see the facility open again and neither can I. Its going to make such a difference to peoples lives.
Mark Clews, chair of Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group, added: We are absolutely delighted to conclude and agree a long term lease for Kidsgrove Sports Centre, which firmly now places ownership of the centre at the heart of the community. I would like to thank the council for the way they have worked constructively to conclude this process alongside the support they have provided throughout. We fully understand the importance of Kidsgrove Sports Centre and its impact on improving physical, social and mental well-being. This is why we are delighted that the fully refurbished sports centre will provide affordable facilities accessible for all.
For more information, visit the community groups new website at www.kidsgrovesportscentre.c o.uk.
