26/09/22: Council proposes major investment into Attleborough sports centre

A Breckland town may be in line for a multi-million-pound upgrade to its sports facilities, if proposals are given the green light.

At a meeting of Breckland Council's Cabinet today (26 September) councillors discussed plans to extend the existing sports centre at the Attleborough Academy site.

The site currently comprises a sports hall and 11-station gym, but the expansion would potentially provide space for the gym to be redeveloped and for fitness classes to be held on-site in the future, though the specification has not yet been finalised.

The project is expected to cost around £2.6m, with Breckland Council anticipating around £1.6m of this total cost will be contributed by developers who are building houses on the outskirts of the town.

The proposals have been put together by Breckland Council following a report it commissioned which found that there was existing demand for enhanced sports facilities in the area and that this would increase as the town continues to expand.

Cllr Alison Webb, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Health, Communities and Leisure, said: "These plans would see major investment delivered in Attleborough and the sports facilities greatly enhanced. As a council, we are committed to supporting residents' health and wellbeing and this upgraded sports centre will put excellent fitness and leisure services right on the town's high street."

The project is being led by Breckland Council, with support from Norfolk County Council, Attleborough Town Council, Attleborough Academy, and The Sapientia Trust.

Having received the backing of Breckland's Cabinet members, the proposals are due to be presented to members of the Full Council on October 6 for discussion. If agreed, the scheme will then be put forward for planning permission in due course.