Bowled over: New Community Sports Hub for Billesley Common

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A new purpose built Community Sports Hub which includes a six rink indoor bowls centre is set to grace Billesley Common in autumn 2014.

The Hub, based in Selly Oak District, will enable the development of high level and grass roots sporting opportunities. The building will also incorporate a community sports stand and changing amenities.

The new tenants of the Hub will be Moseley Rugby Club and City of Birmingham Indoor Bowls Club.

Selly Oak District Chair, Cllr Karen McCarthy, said: “This new facility is great news for local people, and I'm sure it will bring people who've not been active to join in the sports offered.

“We know being active has a real impact on health, particularly in the long term, so I'm delighted that two very different sports have come together on this site to secure the future of indoor bowls and to offer a range of activity to people in South Birmingham.”

It is planned that the Hub will replace the existing Birmingham Indoor Bowls Centre at Stirchley Community Centre, due to close in March 2014. The new purpose built facility is earmarked to open in October 2014. It will be the new base for the City of Birmingham Indoor Bowls Club who have been involved in its planning.

Capital cost for the building will come from a Sport England grant to Moseley Rugby Club, capital receipt for the Stirchley site's sale to Tesco for a new store, and Section 106 money (money paid by developers to offset the costs of the external effects of development).

Revenue funding for the running of the building will be the responsibility of the tenants. There are no revenue consequences for Birmingham City Council.

The Hub will be the responsibility of its tenants, leading to a newly established Community Sports Trust. All expenditure will be funded by income generated from stand spectator fees, indoor bowls green fees, functions, events and community usage.

A community stakeholder consultation on the plans for the Hub was conducted through the Billesley Ward Committee in 2013. The proposal was positively received by local residents, community sports groups and ward members.

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For more media information contact Karen Blanchette on 0121 303 6969.

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