A major investment in a community sports hub for Sale moved a step closer as Trafford Council unanimously approved the ambitious plans of Sale Sports Club.
The club, founded in 1854, brought forward plans that will secure the long-term future of this important community facility through an innovative partnership with Hales & Brown that will see the redevelopment of the club funded through the sale of surplus land for much needed local housing.
Whilst the club has increased participation across its five sports through investing in its sporting facilities and workforce over the last 15 years, the costs of maintaining the ageing changing and social facilities have been a considerable burden. The costs of bringing the existing facilities up to just a minimum standard are prohibitive, threatening the long term viability of the club.
The scheme, developed with the support of Sport England, the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Lawn Tennis Association, will see the construction of a 2-storey community clubhouse and pavilion on the site of the existing sports pavilion and a new indoor tennis centre.
The club’s county standard cricket facilities will be unaffected and the remaining outdoor tennis courts will be upgraded.
The indoor tennis and multi-sports facility will enable all year around tennis, as well as the expansion of the club’s popular holiday clubs and Saturday morning multi-sports club, Sale Sporties.
The new clubhouse will deliver Sport England compliant changing facilities that are accessible to all and an exercise studio, as well as providing a first class viewing vista from a bar and function room on the first floor.
Pictured above (L-R): Sue Laister, Mike Kane MP, Steve Hodkinson, Paul Battersby.
Local MP Mike Kane said, “I welcome the proposed development, it’s great to see such an ambitious investment in the sports facilities in Sale that will benefit the whole community”
He went on to say “I look forward to working with the club to widen its appeal and reach those who will benefit from increased physical and social activities”
Sale Sports Club President Sue Laister is delighted with the planning consent, “It has long been our ambition to build a new facility and it’s down to the hard work of our volunteers that’s made it a reality. We look forward to working with the local community to help them get more active, and building on the success of our thriving sports sections.”
The new facilities will allow the club to broaden its appeal and contribute to the health and well-being of local residents by working with other local organisations to target those who will benefit from increasing their physical activity rates and reduce social isolation.
Construction is expected to start in the spring.
![Kevin Matley [image: Facebook]](https://sale.todaynews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/Kevin-Matley-facebook-1600x900-1-900x470.jpg)
![Ashfield Road, Sale [image: Google Maps]](https://sale.todaynews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/ashfield-road-sale-900x470.png)
![Walton Park war memorial [image: Katy Ratican]](https://sale.todaynews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/war-memorial-1600x900-1-900x470.jpg)
![Sale Waterside [image: Katy Ratican]](https://sale.todaynews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/waterside-1600x900-1-900x470.jpg)
