Wilson Sport Village Construction Reaches Major Milestone
On Wednesday 24th July, 2024, Hyndburn Borough Council marked a significant stage in the development of community health and leisure facilities in Hyndburn. The occasion was the celebration of a major construction milestone for the new £12 million Wilson Sports Village facility in the borough, which promises to be a hub of inclusive and diverse leisure services.
It also marked the official announcement by Sport England of their £2.4 million investment via the Strategic Facilities Fund, which was introduced with the objective of supplying the right sports facilities in the right areas as a key to getting more people doing sport and physical activity across the nation.
The event, held on the very grounds of the future complex, showcased the completed steel structure of the facility, which is set to become an important hub for sports and recreation in the area. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the site, including the athletics track, sports pitches, and woodland areas, all part of the Council’s vision for an active community.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place at Sport England, said: “The Wilson Sports Village is a testament to both the Council’s and Sport England’s commitment to health and wellbeing.
“With the help of £2.4m of Sport England funding via the National Lottery, this is genuinely a landmark development for Hyndburn, with the ambition for the Sports Village to be a catalyst to help more people, of all abilities, get physically active for the benefit of their wellbeing. It is particularly pleasing to see the development of their Active Environment Strategy alongside the facility to ensure people have the opportunity to move in their outdoor places and spaces.
Construction of the facility is being managed by leading leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure in partnership with ISG and is anticipated to open in Spring 2025. It will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna & steam room, a multi-purpose studio, café, and extensive changing facilities. These amenities are designed to support individuals across all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Council highlighted the inclusive nature of the project: “Our aim is to ensure that Wilson Sports Village serves as a hub for all, enhancing our outreach and support for people with disabilities and additional needs. Just here today I’ve met with so many groups who currently use the site and will benefit from this development, including Accrington Road Runners, Super Slow Way and Wheels for All.”
Joe McTague, Chief Operating Officer of Wheels for All said, “We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting new facility. We have used the running track at Wilson Playing Fields for more than 17 years, providing an inclusive cycling programme that gives people, regardless of age and ability, the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis. The Council and the contractors have kept us informed every step of the way, which will ensure this new leisure facility enhances the services we are able to provide onsite for our many disabled participants.”
The event also saw community-led discussions about the upcoming Active Environment Strategy for Hyndburn, an initiative to boost physical activity across the borough using the many fantastic outdoor places and spaces the area has to offer.
Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure, whose organisation have led the development of the strategy said, “Through our network of more than 70 local organisations and the support of our wider partner network that includes Sport England, Active Lancashire, and a range of National Governing Bodies of Sport we have led the development of a new, ‘Active Environment Strategy’ that lays out our shared vision and intent to make physical activity more accessible for all.”
“The Strategy isn’t just about creating new facilities, but also unlocking the potential of our existing outdoor spaces. This, coupled with the development of the new Wilson Sports Village facility, ensures that residents will have even more ways for getting active in a beautiful, natural setting.”
Councillor Dad concluded, “The Wilson Sport Village development serves as the perfect example of how this Strategy can work in practice. Existing features like the athletics track, woodland area and sports pitches will seamlessly integrate with the new leisure centre, offering residents a truly comprehensive environment for an active lifestyle.”