Sports complex hit by delays as money runs out
A LONG-awaited sports complex which had been approved for a Derbyshire village has been delayed after the scheme ran out of money.
Plans to redevelop Charles Hill playing fields in Loscoe had been given the go-ahead by Amber Valley Borough Council last year.
The exact amount spent on the project, which would see team and officials changing rooms and a community hall constructed on the site, has not been disclosed to the public, but the council says more than one million pounds has already been committed to it.
However, despite this, progress has stalled and now the council says a shortfall in funding means the project will have to be delayed.
The council says despite funding commitments from itself, Heanor and Loscoe Town Council, the Football Foundation and local stakeholders including Heanor Juniors Football Club and Loscoe AFC, it still needs more cash to begin construction.
Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said the pandemic had taken its toll on the project, but that the council remained committed to seeing it through.
“Unfortunately, the impact of the world-wide pandemic has led to pressures on the UK building and construction industry with significant issues with building material supply costs and lead times and shortage of skilled workforce and this has pushed tender prices up,” he said.
“We know that partners and the community will be disappointed by this delay but we feel that we now need to pull together to raise additional funds to ensure that the original design can be delivered, and this will include applications for grant funding.”
The council added that while funding bodies such as Sport England have started to re-open their grant schemes which were partially closed during the pandemic, this funding is being focused towards ensuring the survival of sports clubs and community groups instead of new construction projects.
Cllr Paul Jones, leader of Heanor and Loscoe Town Council, said: “Whilst this short delay is disappointing the funding partners remain totally committed to finally delivering a new community building on Charles Hill which will be used for generations by the residents of Loscoe and surrounding areas.”
Amber Valley Borough Council is urging any organisation or local company that might be interested in offering financial support towards the project to get in touch with Kirk Monk at the council on 01773 841646.