State-of-the-art Community Sports Hub moves a step closer

Date published: 6th September 2018

The building of a brand new £3.2m Community Sports Hub for North Norfolk moved a step closer today with the granting of planning permission.

The decision by the Development Committee at North Norfolk District Council means another hurdle has been cleared in the bid to provide the community with state-of-the-art facilities, including three indoor tennis courts, a 25-station gym, a social area and viewing gallery, and a space for fitness classes, social activities and meetings.

The Sports Hub was identified in the council’s Indoor Sports Facility Strategy, published in 2015, and sought to provide indoor tennis courts, which have historically existed in Cromer and for which there has been long-term demand.

It is a joint project, with NNDC working alongside the Lawn Tennis Association, which it is anticipated will fund about 25% of the cost; Cromer Academy; and the Cromer Lawn Tennis and Squash Association (CLTSA). The new tennis courts will be available for use by the public, members of the CLTSA and academy students.

The Community Sports Hub will build on the existing relationship between the council and the CLTSA, with the association already receiving a subsidy of £25,000 a year from NNDC. With the council’s financing for the new development already in place and planning permission now granted, the scheme is now just waiting for the LTA to confirm its funding and for the CLTSA to give its backing to a land swap that has already been agreed by NNDC and the academy.

Cllr John Lee, Leader of North Norfolk District Council and a Conservative Ward Member for Suffield Park, said: “As a local member, I’m really excited at having this fabulous facility built in my ward.

“As Leader of the Council, I'm extremely proud of the investment that we are committing to this project, which will provide first-class facilities for North Norfolk’s tennis players and prospective players, but more importantly offer year-round opportunities for our young people.

“I expect the indoor courts will become the envy of the county and beyond.”

Cllr Nigel Pearce, a Lib Dem Ward Member for Suffield Park, said: “The commencement of constructing this sports hub will benefit the entire community who wish to use this modern and progressive facility.

“Being centrally placed within the district – within approximately 30 minutes from the major towns in North Norfolk – this will give all an ample opportunity to become healthier, understand the wellbeing bonus of being active, and have the chance to communicate and relate to others.

“These long-term benefits are ones which we all should share.”

Cllr John Rest, Leader of the Independent Group at NNDC, said: “This is an opportunity for NNDC to provide a state-of-the-art facility not just for Cromer but for all of the district. In any new development there is always going to be controversy but this new venture will provide cost-effective facilities for all generations to benefit from.

“We have to be supporting and offering opportunities to our sports players of the future.”