New sports centre for peninsula

FIFTEEN years of waiting came to an end today as a new sports and fitness centre was opened on the Shotley penisular.The £2 million lottery funded building includes a new multi purpose sports hall, gym, tennis facilities and a community room.

FIFTEEN years of waiting came to an end today as a new sports and fitness centre was opened on the Shotley penisula.

The £2 million lottery funded building includes a new multi purpose sports hall, gym, tennis facilities and a community room.

Built at Holbrook High school the Penisula Sports Centre will be open to the public all day and available to clubs and individuals during the evening.

Headteacher Rob Sherington said: “The idea of a sports centre for the peninsula was first muted back in 1992 so it has taken 15 years.

“I think this centre rivals those in Ipswich, it provides the centre with outstanding facilities which I hope the whole community will want to make use of”.

The centre was officially opened by ex-Holbrook pupil and British basketball squad member Sally Kaznica.

Miss Kaznica said: “It's a real pleasure to be back here after 10 years. I'd like to challenge the community into using this facility, this is a fantastic centre”.

Suffolk County Councillor Patricia O'Brien who is responsible for children, schools and young people services said: “I am pleased that the county council could help to make this venture possible for the community. A lot of hard work has been put into making this project possible and I hope that residents in the area benefit from these new facilities”.

The centre is holding an open weekend today and tomorrow between 10am and 4pm for people to visit and find out more about the centre.