Housing creates a sport spin-off in Hemsworth
SPORTS facilities in the Hemsworth area have benefited from £120,000 of investment as part of an agreement with a housing developer.
David Wilson Homes paid 100,000 to Wakefield Council after being allowed to build a residential development on the former Hemsworth Arts and Community College site on Station Road. The money was transferred as part of an order known as Section 106.
A total of 120,000 – including 20,000 in interest accrued on the funds – has been allocated to four facilities in Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam.
Hemsworth Miners' Welfare Football Club, on Wakefield Road, Fitzwilliam, received 40,000 towards a 878,000 development which includes changing rooms, showers, a multi-function room, kitchen and bar. It opened in 2007.
Kinsley Boys Football Club will get 20,000 towards extending its changing rooms, subject to planning permission.
And Vale Head Park in Hemsworth will be receiving 25,000 to go towards new or existing sporting facilities.
A further 35,000 went towards adiZone – a state-of-the-art outdoor gym based at Hemsworth Arts and Community College which opened in the summer.
The rest of the 150,000 adiZone funding came from NHS Wakefield District, Destination Yorkshire (part of Yorkshire Forward) and Hemsworth Arts and Community College. Hemsworth Town Council also contributed 10,000 to the project.
Sports company Adidas provided the expertise to design, plan and install the gym as well as lending its name to the scheme.
The facility, which was opened by BMX champion Shanaze Reade, was the first of its kind outside London.
It boasts a climbing wall and outdoor gym equipment as well as an open space for dance, aerobics, gymnastics and martial arts.
Cabinet member with responsibility for sport Coun Denise Jeffery said: "The money secured through the Section 106 order has been committed to some really worthwhile sporting projects that benefit the Hemsworth area. The terms stated that it had to be spent for sporting purposes and we held discussions with groups, including the town council, to make sure as much of the community as possible would be included.
"We are continuing to invest in existing facilities and in the creation of new ones for young and old people alike and it's wonderful that they stand to benefit. Sport and staying active is important as it contributes to so many positive things for our communities – ranging from tackling child obesity to supporting good social environments and physical health."
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Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 24 May 2012
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