Plans by Leeds City Council to undertake major improvements to sport, recreation and community facilities in Middleton have been handed a major boost with the announcement of a successful funding bid to Sport England.
Councillors previously approved proposals in November to invest £740k to redevelop Middleton Leisure Centre in to the Middleton Sports Hub. The new facility will feature improved changing facilities, outdoor playing pitches and the provision of a brand new 3G artificial pitch and multi-use games area.
The successful bid for £146,684 of Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund means that the council will be able to expand the refurbishment project at Middleton Leisure Centre to include improvements to the centre’s reception area and fitness studios.
Middleton Leisure Centre becomes one of 350 local community sports groups to benefit from a £17.4m Olympic legacy funding pot through the Inspired Facilities Fund.
In doing so, the building and its branding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark, cementing the centre’s link to the 2012 London Olympic Games. The funding boost from Sport England will bring the total expenditure for the refurbishment project at Middleton Leisure Centre, which last year saw its swimming pool close – to nearly £900k.
In addition to the improved changing facilities and outdoor playing pitches, the money will also result in a new community room for people with learning disabilities and a youth recreation space. Local councillor, Kim Groves (pictured above), has said that the improvements are a great boost to sport and recreation facilities in Middleton.
The council will hold a publicity event at the centre on Wednesday.
