Sport Shortlist named for 2012 venues


The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has announced that three oper- ators have been shortlisted to operate London’s Aquatics Centre and Multi-Use Arena aſter the 2012 Games. Greenwich Leisure (GLL);


Parkwood Leisure; and Serco Group have been confirmed as the groups currently in the running to take over the ven- ues. Te OPLC has revealed that an appointment is due to be made in early 2012. Te chosen operator will


Willmott Dixon to build new oxford pool


Hertfordshire-based construction group Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Oxford City Council to build a new multi-million pound swimming pool in Blackbird Leys. It follows a decision of OCC’s execu-


tive on 21 July, with the Faulkner Browns Architects-designed venue to feature an eight-lane, 25m pool with floating floor. A teaching pool; spectator seating; and


a toddler fun pool will also be included as part of the new development, which is to be built adjoining the existing Blackbird Leys Swimming Leisure Centre.


Tree groups have been shortlisted to operate the 2012 Handball Arena


be responsible for helping to grow sports participation by offering an extensive range of programmes, coaching and community activities at both sites. In addition, the successful bidder will also


work in conjunction with the OPLC to develop a number of pathways that promote local employment and enhanced accessibility.


OPLC director of venues Peter Tudor said:


“By appointing the operator before the Games, we can work together to develop a full pro- gramme of activities for when the venues reopen, focused on encouraging sports par- ticipation, community access and a range of cultural events.”


First phase of Kingswood scheme opens


South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has unveiled remodelled and refur- bished swimming pools at Kingswood Leisure Centre – the first phase of a wider £2.8m redevelopment. New changing facilities and


spectator seating have also been launched as part of Stage One of the project, along with the introduction of increased energy efficiency measures. Phase two of the project will


focus on a new gym area, dry changing facilities and recep- tion at the centre, which is run by the Circadian Trust. SGC’s James Hunt said: “Te investment


made demonstrates the continued commit- ment of the council in improving leisure facilities across South Gloucestershire.”


Te first stage of the redevelopment project targeted the pool facilities Mark Crutchley, chief executive of the


Circadian Trust, added: “It is great that phase one has been completed to originally agreed time and cost plans.”


Football Foundation unveils ‘Sustainability Toolkit’


Te Football Foundation (FF) has announced the launch of its new Sustainability Toolkit to help local organisations and projects struggling to deal with the current economic climate. Available to download free from the foun- dation’s website, the toolkit features 12 main


© CYBERTREK 2011


areas to help groups start drawing up a sustainability action plan. Tailored to suit an entire organisation or an


individual project, some of the areas detailed in the toolkit are income generation; workforce development; and business planning.


Twitter: @leisureopps LRK Associates have designed the £8.1m facility


Morgan Sindall to deliver new £8.1m London arena


Morgan Sindall has been awarded an £8.1m contract to deliver the new Mayesbrook Park Sports Arena in London, which is poised to become one of the largest facili- ties of its kind in the UK. Te LRK Associates-designed complex is


earmarked to include a 5,000sq m (53,820sq ſt) sports hall; a 1,000sq m (10,764sq ſt) gymnasium; and changing facilities. Scheduled to be completed in February


2012, the new facility will be first used as a Games Time Training Venue by the British handball and wheelchair rugby teams.


£4m investment for Scottish sports facilities


Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has revealed that £4m is to go towards improve- ments to communitysports facilities. Te latest funding will be invested by


national sports agency sportscotland over a four-year period, which complements plans to establish 100 community hubs by 2014. Salmond said: “Tis £4m fund will help


communities upgrade equipment and facilities, and follows a £500,000 fund announced by sports minister Shona Robison [in June] to encourage commu- nity ownership of sports amenities.”


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 3


image: david poultney/oda


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24