A NEW sports facility set to open in Somercotes could be a ‘beacon of stability’ for years to come, according to the man leading the project.
Two years ago Brian Hill, from Swanwick suggested the struggling Somerlea Park Centre on Sherwood Street would benefit from the addition of a multi-sports facility and car park.
Now the £100,000 project, which people will be able to hire to play football and hockey in the first stage of development, is weeks away from completion.
The charity will be working with local schools and disability groups and aims to provide top quality facilities - as well as free sports coaching .
Mr Hill, who is the charity accountant, said: “There is a huge programme of sports and leisure activities to be rolled out here with the primary response being to the local community’s needs.
“It’s very important for the community in the very difficult times we all face that the Centre provides a beacon of stability”.
The centre also has a high quality function suite available for hire for weddings and parties.
Mr. Hill said that the Charity inherited an £80,000 deficit in 2010 when it took over the running of the Centre - but its books are now balanced and in profit.
Over the past two years the charity has worked to raise over £100,000 with £50,000 being awarded from The Biffa Award Fund.
Somercotes Parish Council donated £18,000 out of its yearly budget and Amber Valley Borough Council gave a further £6,000.
Mr Hill thanks all contributors and assures that this meaningful project will be of significant benefit.