Sporting Village gets green light

Ambitious plans to build a multi-million pound sporting village in Basildon have been given the go-ahead.

Basildon Council have approved proposals for the design of the £35 million sports and fitness complex in Gloucester Park.

Councillor Stephen Horgan, Basildon Council's cabinet member for development and regeneration, said:  "We are delighted plans for the complex have been approved This is a rare opportunity to build a world-class sporting complex that will offer all of our people state-of-the-art facilities.

"The centre will become a sporting hub for the whole community, from casual users all the way to elite athletes.  "This is another example of the council delivering on its regeneration plans even during these tough economic times.

"As ever we are very grateful to our partners for their support, both Essex County Council and the government. This development transcends politics. Everyone is in favour of sports, health, fitness and aspiration."

Councillor Kevin Blake, Basildon Council's cabinet member for leisure and open spaces, added:  "We are pleased our plans have cleared this hurdle and look forward to work getting underway.  The centre will be a fantastic sporting asset for the community and will dramatically improve the quality and range of facilities available to local people.

"It will also enable us to build on our recent work to encourage more people to take part in active recreation to help improve their health."

The council is working with Community Solutions for Leisure to design, build and operate the sporting village.

Plans submitted by the company show the centre will house a 50metre competition size swimming pool with seating for 400 spectators.  It will also boast a large sports hall, a gymnastics centre, fitness centre, multi purpose studio and climbing wall. 

Other facilities include six floodlit five-a-side artificial pitches, meeting and function rooms, a café and car parking. 

Councillors at last night's (10/03/09) development, control and traffic management committee approved the design of the building, having previously approved the principle of the development in April 2008.

The facility is being supported by funding from Essex County Council, Housing and Communities Agency, Sport England and Veolia  ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.