A £5 million project to enhance and safeguard local community sports and leisure facilities is moving forward, promising state-of-the-art amenities to serve a rapidly growing local population.
The project, that will see a major overhaul and expansion of the Framingham Sports Centre is a partnership between South Norfolk Council and the Sapientia Education Trust.
The total investment, which is subject to approval includes £2.9Million from South Norfolk Council, £300,000 from the Sapientia Education Trust, and a grant from the Football Foundation and £1.1million from the Greater Norwich Growth Board.
The improvements to the sports centre will include:
• Expanded Fitness Space: A 370m2 new build extension will house a modern, 40-station gym and a new multi-use exercise studio.
• New Community Facilities: A dedicated community entrance, reception, lobby, and changing area will be created.
• All-Weather Pitch: A new, full-sized, community 3G pitch will be installed.
• Improved Access: A new car park with 83 spaces and a dedicated access road will serve the centre.
These improvements are essential to meeting the high demand for local sports provision, which currently sees membership at capacity. The new facility is expected to accommodate up to 800 members and provide a much-needed home for local football teams, including 9 female teams.
Delivery of the project will allow the gym and studio to be open to the community at times popular with residents, with facilities becoming fully accessible outside of school hours.
South Norfolk Councillor Kim Carsok said: “This £5million investment is the latest in the Council’s long-term commitment to the health and well-being of our communities. It will safeguard the future of this much loved sports centre, transforming it into a modern, accessible hub that can finally meet the huge local demand.”
‘Becky Arnold, Headteacher at Framingham Earl High School said: “We are pleased to be working closely with South Norfolk Council on this project, which will have benefit for the school and our students. Our commitment to contribute to the funding of this project underlines our support for the development of the sports and leisure provision in the area, through collaboration with South Norfolk Council. Additional sport facilities for our pupils are important and will ensure we can continue to meet our curriculum obligations, as well as ensuring the school has wider community benefit”
