Sports centre project gets £5m funding package

The major transformation of a sports centre has taken a big step forward after a £5m funding package was agreed.

Framingham Sports Centre, located within the grounds of Framingham Earl High School near Norwich, is poised to get a significant overhaul as part of plans led by South Norfolk Council.

The proposals include a 370 sq m (3,983 sq ft) extension to house a new gym, a multi-use exercise studio and a full-sized, all-weather 3G football pitch.

School head teacher Becky Arnold said the facilities would have "benefits for the school and our students".

"Additional sport facilities for our pupils are important and will ensure we can continue to meet our curriculum obligations, as well as ensuring the school has wider community benefit," she added.

A new entrance, reception, lobby and changing facilities are planned, as well as an additional access road and 83-space car park, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The investment should address local demand for sports provision, with existing membership currently at capacity.

Once completed, the upgraded centre is expected to have 800 members and be a home for local football clubs, including nine women's teams.

Conservative councillor Kim Carsok, South Norfolk Council's cabinet member for communities, said the investment reflected a long-term commitment to public health and wellbeing.

"This £5m investment will safeguard the future of this much-loved sports centre, transforming it into a modern, accessible hub that can finally meet the huge local demand," she said.

The total funding package was announced last week but is yet to be approved by all councillors.

It includes £2.9m from South Norfolk Council, £300,000 from Sapientia Education Trust, £1.1m from the Greater Norwich Growth Board and additional grant funding from the Football Foundation.

A planning application for the project has yet to be submitted.

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