Multi-million pound sports village hopes
Published on 5th April 2007 in News
Research into a new sports village off Westfield Banks at Goole which would benefit all sections of the community is well under way.
At Monday's Chamber of Commerce meeting, vice-chair Phil Jones explained that Goole Sports Consortium had been formed in January and was intended to be a single voice for all the clubs and sports interests in the town.
"It's open to all - our mission is to encourage participation in sport," said Mr Jones, chair of the consortium.
Funding has already been acquired for a feasibility study, which will look at who would benefit from a sports village.
Shaun Pinchbeck told members that a sports village would provide healthy, social activities for all the family.
It could help reduce anti-social behaviour, would be a major benefit to schools and might even be a new home for Goole AFC.
Facilities for older people will also be looked at.
Mr Jones said: "Everybody benefits. We're looking at all sorts of possibilities."
Westfield Banks Sports Complex, already home to the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association offices, was suggested as a suitable venue because of its capacity for development.
"There's space for development and plenty of car parking," said Mr Pinchbeck.
"We would avoid congestion in the town centre."
Exactly how much the village might cost is not known but members were told that similar projects have cost between £8 and £10 million.
"We'll be bold. We'll go for the maximum that is achievable," said Mr Jones.
Possible sources of funding include Yorkshire Forward, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC), Sports England, Awards for All and the Football Association.
Something for everyone
As well as sports facilities, the village would have the potential for spin-off businesses, such as a restaurant, physio services and a sports shop.
Helen Hoult, for Goole Renaissance (GR), said that the plans were still an 'aspirational vision' but added that the plans fitted in with the aims of GR.
Malcolm Scott, chair of the Chamber of Commerce, described it as "a cracking opportunity opportunity to tap into funding relating to other sectors."
A strategy workshop with the ERYC will take place on April 25.