‘Inspirational’ plans for new ‘world-class’ sports hall in Northampton approved – children’s charity behind it needs YOUR HELP to raise £720,000
“Inspirational” plans for a new “world class” sports hall in Northampton have been approved – but the children’s charity behind the project needs YOUR HELP to reach the remaining £720,000 to bring it to life.
Plans were approved in July for a new multi-purpose hall at King’s Park Conference and Sports Centre, which sits next to the Benham Sports Centre in Moulton.
The applicant, Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs (NAYC), says the facility is expected to help the centre reach an additional 20,000 young people each year.
NAYC is a charity that has been working with young people and youth organisations for more than 60 years in the county, whose aim is to “develop young people physically, mentally, and spiritually – expanding their horizons regardless of economic background, education, ability, disability, or disadvantage”.
The proposed 20 metre by 25 metre hall, which would be called The Sunley Centre, will be connected to the existing tennis centre by a glass walkway. It will also have full access to changing rooms, toilets and the café.
The redevelopment will add 500 square metres of space. It will allow the centre to introduce new sports and smaller groups to take part in Zumba, martial arts, pickleball, trampoline fitness, dance, pilates, school sessions and community events.
The new hall will also provide venue space for up to 400 people and will be fully accessible to all.
A spokesperson for NAYC said: “Imagine a place where young people can discover their potential, grow in confidence, and build skills that last a lifetime. That’s our vision for King’s Park Sports – a truly world class facility that inspires more than 2,000 young people each week.
"King’s Park currently consists of Benham Sports Centre and Indoor Tennis Centre, but it’s far more than a sports centre. It’s a place where friendships are made, challenges are overcome, and young people’s lives are changed forever. And yet too many young people are missing out.
"Cuts to funding for youth services and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis mean it’s increasingly difficult for sports clubs to run affordable activities. That’s why we’re building this new sports hall – to open the door for 20,000 more young people every year. As the population of Northamptonshire continues to rise, this is even more important than ever.”
However, the charity needs help to fund the £1.2 million project. So far, at the time of writing (Thursday January 8), the NAYC has raised £480,000, leaving £720,000 still needed to complete the construction.
The NAYC said: “To make this vision a reality, we need your support. This isn’t just an investment in a building. It’s an investment in young people, in our community, and in the future of Northamptonshire.
“Every gift, large or small, brings us closer to opening the doors of a facility that will change lives for decades to come. Together, we can give the young people of Northamptonshire the future they deserve. Will you join us?"