IN BRIEF SPORT


New BMX facility unveiled in Winsford A BMX track has been officially


reopened in Winsford, Cheshire, following the completion of a £30,000 renovation of the track led by the local authority. Cheshire West and Chester Council funded the project, which has led to the re-design of the track, the reconstruction of existing jumps and reshaped turns. Work was carried out after the council recognised that the facility was no longer fit-for- purpose, with the overhaul now bringing the venue up to standards for regional events.


Oxford Ice Rink set for £700,000 revamp? Oxford Ice Rink has closed in


order to undergo a three-week improvement programme to be undertaken by Oxford City Council. The council is investing more than £700,000 to upgrade the venue, which will see a new refrigeration unit installed and changing and shower facilities enhanced. A new rink barrier and rubber matting will also be provided as part of the project, in addition to "high-level" maintenance to the ceiling area.


£1.2m to boost NI sports participation A new £1.2m scheme has been


unveiled by Down District Council and Newry and Mourne District Council in a bid to increase sports participation. The Active Communities programme is to be delivered over a five-year period and has received funding from Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) to provide a network of full- and part-time coaches. It forms part of a £14.7m investment by SNI to boost participation in Northern Ireland, particularly among 'under represented groups'. A total of 100 new coaching posts are to be created.


6


news & jobs at www.leisureopportunities.co.uk Southend swimming complex unveiled


£13.5m facility to host Team GB's diving team ahead of the 2012 London Games By Pete Hayman


Southend Borough Council (SBC) has unveiled a new £13.5m swimming and diving venue at Garon Park. Ipswich-based ISG Jackson


started work on the Archial Architects-designed Southend Swimming and Diving Centre in July last year. Sport England part-funded the development. Facilities at the venue include


a 25m, eight-lane competition pool and a diving pool, which has fixed platforms at 1m, 3m, 5m, 7.5m and 10m and three springboards; two of which are at 1m and another at 3m. The new complex also boasts


a dry-diving training facility with harness and trampolines; 374 tiered seats; and a small


The new swimming and diving complex was designed by Archial


fun pool. Moveable floors have been installed to allow swimming lessons and exercise classes to take place. British Swimming will be


using the venue as a training base for the Team GB diving team ahead of the 2012 Games.


SBC executive councillor for


culture Derek Jarvis said: "We now have a truly world class swimming and diving arena in Southend – the fact the British diving team intends to use it as an Olympic training base bears testimony to this."


UKA plans 2017 World Athletics Championship bid By Pete Hayman


UK Athletics (UKA) has said it will bid to stage the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London after pulling out of the race to host the 2015 event. UKA said the decision aims


to ensure a bid to the Interna- tional Association of Athletics (IAAF) provides clarity over the future of the Olympic Stadium. UKA chair Ed Warner said:


"Obviously we are disappointed not to be pursuing our 2015


UKA said it wanted to resolve the Olympic Stadium's future


bid especially after securing the support of both the govern-


ment and the Mayor of London. However, we need to present the IAAF with a bid that is free of any uncertainties. That is not something we can commit to until the process regarding the future of the stadium, which we fully support, is concluded." Sports minister Hugh


Robertson added: "The deadline for the 2015 bid falls before the conclusion of the stadium process in spring 2011, but that does not diminish our appetite to host the event."


Hertsmere to operate new Southampton ice venue


Warburg Property Developments (WPD) has announced that Hertsmere Leisure is the preferred operator for the new Olympic-sized ice rink currently being developed in Southampton. Negotiations between the two parties are at an advanced stage and the two are currently


working on a bid for support funding through the Sustainable Facilities funding administered by Sport England. WPD received the green light for its ice rink plans in July this year. The project will transform two vacant sites – including the former Chantry Hall – and is set to comprise a four-storey mixed-use development, which will also include a fitness suite.


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