Progress is being made to provide enhanced leisure and outdoor sports facilities in Melbourne. A key priority in South Derbyshire District Council’s Corporate Plan for 2010 to 2014 is to look at ways to further meet the cultural and sporting needs of the community. It is working with Melbourne Parish Council, The Melbourne Sporting Partnership (MSP) and the Melbourne Community Centre Group to develop these aims.
An initial feasibility study looked at existing and possible sites to weigh up their suitability to provide extra leisure, perfoming arts and sports facilities. One area identified as having potential is the Cockshut Lane Recreation Ground, which is currently used for rugby, football and cricket. Swings are also available.
Specialist consultants, paid for out of Government Growth Point Money, are now starting to put together proposals for the future of the site with the MSP, which includes representatives from the District and Parish Councils, as well as local sports clubs. They will draw up plans for a pavilion and changing rooms for teams to use, along with pitch layouts, how the area will be managed and associated business plans. This is due to be completed by the end of March.
Cllr John Harrison, who is a Melbourne Ward Member on the District Council and also Chairman of the Sporting Partnership, said: “We are blessed with a highly committed group of clubs and dedicated voluntary organisations in Melbourne. “All of the partners concerned are working closely together to provide a long-term vision for sport, leisure and cultural facilities that will be a source of community pride while helping to provide healthy and sustainable communities for the benefit of Melbourne residents and those from surrounding villages.
“Bringing in specialist expertise demonstrates our commitment and resolve. Once plans have been drawn up and the potential costs identified, we will be in a position to look at ways of obtaining funding from, for example, the Big Lottery and Sport England.”
Melbourne Town Cricket Club (MTCC), celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, has already received good news in the form of a Growth Point grant of up to £10,500 towards the £22,000 cost of buying two wicket practice nets. MTCC Development Manager Andy Heafield said: “The club is feeling very positive about the work being done through the MSP.” He added: “The progress made over the last six months shows what can be achieved when we all work together. “The new nets are the best present possible and everyone is looking forward to further developments in the coming months.”
Meanwhile, work on the transfer of the lease from the District Council owned Bill Shone Leisure Centre from Melbourne Parish Council to the Melbourne Community Centre Group continues.
