Sporting chance
A new multi-million pound leisure centre could be open in Newark by 2012.
It would have a 50-year lifespan and would be designed to accommodate predicted increases in population — including that resulting from the Growth Point proposal for 5,000 homes south of Newark.
The new centre, replacing the Grove sports complex in Balderton, could be built on land adjoining, or forming part of, the Growth Point bid.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has £8m available to go towards the leisure centre project.
The project is not reliant on the Growth Point going ahead, although that could provide contributions of land or money as part of planning agreements.
The council is working in partnership with Sport England to promote and encourage good health and exercise for all.
It also wants to provide better facilities for elite athletes.
The district council’s head of leisure, Mrs Sarah Dawes, said she expected little financial help from the lottery towards the leisure centre project because of investment in the London Olympics.
When the idea of a new leisure centre for the Newark area was last discussed in 2006 the Grove site was seen as the favourite location.
Earlier this year it was announced that the school would be demolished and rebuilt on the same site. Work could start in January 2011.
“A replacement for the Grove is a key priority,” said Mrs Dawes. “The simplest thing would be to replace the Grove like for like but that may not be appropriate and something we would want to avoid.
“There are only ever going to be a limited number of sites available to us for a new build from scratch.
“We have one chance to get this right. Consultation is vital.”
A spokesman for the education authority, Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We will be discussing the future of the Grove Leisure Centre with the district council, which manages the facility, in the near future.”
The council is one of the first to team-up with Sport England.
A study has been commissioned by Sport England to assess sports facilities, parks and pitches in the area, taking into account the views of those who use them.
The idea will be to provide sports, leisure and recreation tailor-made to suit needs and preferences.
Volunteers, coaches and members of sports clubs have been invited to a seminar at Kelham Hall on Monday to have their say on sports facilities in the district.
The leisure centre will be discussed at the seminar which starts at 6.30pm.
It will also look at the current provision of sports facilities and what is needed to enhance sporting opportunities.
Mrs Dawes said another issue that could be discussed was why Newark was so far behind other towns in football.
Worksop, Retford and Grantham all have teams playing at semi-professional level.
