The announcement of nearly £8 million for a new leisure complex in Thornton Heath which includes a £2.8 million lottery grant has been met with delight and excitement from all sectors this week.
By the end of 2003, residents in the north of the borough will be able to revel in the much-needed, multi-facility complex which includes a 25-metre swimming pool, a health and fitness suite as well as a creche and caf.
Building work will start in January 2002 on the site of the old Thornton Heath pool, which was demolished earlier this year.
The project is part of a multi-million-pound programme of investment being channelled by the council into transforming existing sports and leisure facilities in the borough.
Sport England's £2.8 million award will help finance the multi-purpose sports hall.
Plans for the complex were exclusively unveiled on a hoarding last Wednesday (November 14) by Councillor Raj Chandarana, Croydon North MP Malcolm Wicks and David Lawrence from Sport England.
Croydon Council leader Hugh Malyan said: "This superbly equipped new facility will be a great health asset to those living in the north of the borough, helping to boost their quality of life and well-being."
Cabinet member for cultural services, Councillor Raj Chandarana, added: "The multi-purpose sports hall means we will now be able to provide for sports like badminton, basketball, volleyball and five-a-side football in the new complex, in addition to swimming and general fitness activities.
"The complex is the latest phase in a multi-million-pound programme of investment being channelled by the council into transforming sports and leisure facilities in the borough, with substantial refurbishment work already completed at Purley, South Norwood and New Addington pools."
David Lawrence, senior development manager for Sport England, said: "The Council's persistence in getting to this stage has been a credit to both the members and officers."
November 21, 2001 09:00
