Hall will inspire a generation

Buy photos » Ready to inspire a generation - Gill McKee from Rugby Gymnastics Club, Jason Morris from Rugby Town Juniors, and Leigh Nicholas from Rugby Town Squash Club with the design for the new sports hall. 18.012.031.rug.jg (www.buyphotos247.com

A NEW £2 million sports hall in Rugby will "inspire the next generation".

Rugby Borough Council planning committee has given the green-light to the development on fields at the Kilsby Lane home of Rugby Town Junior Football Club. The hall will be used by the football club, Rugby Gymnastics Club and Rugby Town Squash Club.

Jason Morris, spokesman for the Rugby Town Sports Venture committee, said: "We aim to create a sports facility to continue the legacy of the Olympics to Inspire the next generation and create sportsmen and women to compete at the highest level possible within all three sports.

"It was a magic moment when the torch came through Rugby and thousands lined the streets just to get a glimpse of history.

"Everyone was inspired by that moment and even more so during the fantastic 17 days that we have just witnessed from venues around the country. It is our committees remit to create a lasting legacy of the games and this facility is just the start of something big in the town of Rugby."

Rugby Gymnastics Development officer Gill McKee said the club was delighted.

"The three clubs have worked hard over the past few months and we hope we are going to have a new place where our gymnasts can feel safe and secure. Over the last two weeks we have been inundated with calls for young people looking to join the club."

Rugby Town Squash club Chairman Leigh Nicolas said the future now looked bright for the club.

He added: "Four months ago we were all deflated with the news about the Squash courts. We have put that behind us and have moved forward creating a new club and committee and driving this project.

"We can't believe that we have come so far in such a short time all our members are delighted with the progress.

Rugby Town J.F.C. Chairman Liam Coulter thanked all those who had contributed to the project.

The clubs are looking for commercial and company sponsorship of the building as well as donations from companies or individuals. Visit www.rugbytownsports.co.uk for details.

The hall is set to take 18 months to build and will be part funded by organisations including Sport England and the National Lottery.

Regional news »