University welcome for sports village plans
Posted on 18 February 2011
City of York Council Planning Committee approved the University’s application for the York Sports Village which will feature a competition-standard eight lane 25 metre pool, learner pool, 100 station gym, full size 3G astroturf pitch and three further five-a-side pitches.All the facilities will be open to University students and staff, as well as the public.
The University worked with City of York Council to fund the project. The University is contributing £5 million and the Council is contributing £3 million, with the balance coming from a grant from Sport England.
The complex will be run by a limited liability partnership company called York Sports Village. Any surpluses will be ring-fenced for re-investment in the facilities. It is expected to create up to 30 new jobs, both full and part-time.
A steering group will be established to provide feedback from Sports Village users. The new complex will be constructed next to Grimston Bar Park & Ride and will also be served by public transport.
Construction work is scheduled to start in Spring 2011, with the facilities opening for business in July 2012.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said: “York Sports Village will further enhance the student experience at a world class University. We already provide excellent sports and recreational facilities for students, staff and the community, but York Sports Village will take them to a new level.
“In partnership with City of York Council we are determined to deliver what will be a fantastic sporting asset for our students and for everyone in the city.”
The master plan for the Sports Village includes a second phase that will feature further grass pitches and indoor sporting facilities including a 150-station computerised fitness suite, floor spaces for classes such as Spinning and Yoga, three specialist treatment rooms, sauna and steam room and a cafeteria.
Kersten England, Chief Executive of City of York Council, said: “I’m delighted that York Sports Village is now one step closer to becoming one of the city’s key sporting facilities. The Sports Village will enhance sporting and leisure provision across the city and is another example of how partnership working can bring tangible benefits for residents."
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