Work starts on Driffield Sports Centre

Work has now started on the new £6m Driffield Sports Centre and is due for completion in September 2008.Contractors have begun preparatory works ahead of the major construction phase of the project.

 

The scheme, being carried out on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will replace the existing outdated sports centre and is welcomed by East Riding Councillors, Symon Fraser and Felicity Temple.

 

Councillor Hilary Saynor, chairman of the council, performed a turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the project.  She said: “This sports centre will be an excellent opportunity for the people of Driffield and the surrounding area.

“It will provide a high quality facility where people can stay healthy, play sports competitively or just get together for a bit of fun.”

 

Cllr Fraser added: "It is easy to forget that actually the work on this vital Driffield project started months ago with the design, consultation with the public and planning processes.  We are probably now half way through the complete project, now moving into the bit where we will actually see things happening, as the building is constructed.  The eco-friendly design of the building is just one example of the East Riding's commitment to the environment through modern day design."

 

Cllr Temple commented;  "We are delighted to see this exciting new facility for Driffield becoming a reality!  Not only will it provide a better swimming pool and sports hall, but it eases the traffic problems that residents on Manorfield Road and Manorfield Avenue have suffered for years.  We are creating a new access for the school buses as separating pedestrian and vehicles is one of the East Riding's priorities on all school sites and we are so pleased it is happening here.  It will reassure parents."

 

Barbara Hall also remarked:  "I recall the original pool being built and all the work done by the community at that time.  It has served us well but now sadly is outdated.  The new facility will be fantastic for Driffield people."

 

The finished building will include a six-lane 25m main pool with a smaller learner pool and a 100-seater spectator area.The pools will have a family changing village that will cater for everyone.  The centre will also have a “Tone Zone” gym, dance studio and sports hall, which will cater for badminton, basketball, five-a-side football and many other activities.  Tone Zones have proven extremely popular at other East Riding leisure centres, prompting large increases in the number of people using them to get fit or stay fit. The sports hall and the Tone Zone and dance studio will have their own changing facilities that will also serve the existing all-weather pitch.

 

A new road and car park from Bridlington Road will mean the centre will no longer share its access with pupils from Driffield School.  The facility will be able to generate its own electricity with an innovative combined heating power system, meaning lower energy bills for the centre.

 

The scheme is being carried out by Leeds-based contractor Wates Construction and has been designed by Atkins, the firm behind the new Beverley swimming pool.

 

The existing sports centre will stay open until the new centre opens.