Go-ahead for £1m gym to change lives of ‘hard to reach’ teenagers
A CHARITY has been given planning permission for a new community sports hall and gym to give hope to ‘hard to reach’ youngsters.
The application for the £1m sports hall and gym in Whalley Range was approved by Manchester council.
The development was proposed by youth charity, Community on Solid Ground (CoSG), and the hub will be used to make a difference in the lives of young people, residents of Whalley Range and surrounding areas. CoSG are looking to build the development on Manley Park and it will come with an indoor court for football, basketball, netball and cricket classes, changing rooms, offices and a communal gym. It will also function as a youth centre were the charity will continue its work of mentoring and supporting young people in the area.
CoSG is a local charity that uses sports to mentor and inspire young people in multi-cultural and diverse communities in South Manchester.
CoSG was created in 2009 and developed by members of the community to meet the needs of young people. Since its inception, CoSG has worked with more than 8,500 young people and adults.
They currently work with 800 people per year supporting them through sports and mentoring.
Chief executive Majid Dar said: “We absolutely are delighted in securing this opportunity which will make a significant difference into the lives of hundreds of local young and older people. We hope to increase their health, fitness and well-being by giving them positive opportunities to enhance, develop and reach their potential in life.
“I would like to take this opportunity to collectively thank you all for the support and enthusiasm for our project. COSG has a 12-year track record on successfully delivering to our communities. We recognise the huge opportunity and the responsibility for us to deliver on our promises to the community and the city as a whole.”
With planning permission approved, the charity is now appealing to the community and businesses across Greater Manchester to help with resources and sponsorship towards the costs of the new building. You can contact the charity on 0161 881 4631.