First phase of £6m community facility work completed

The first stage of a £6m project to deliver new community facilities for two Lancashire villages has been completed.

Preston headquartered multi-disciplinary group FWP has provided its architecture and interior design services to the development, delivered by Longridge based construction company Carefoot, as well as acting as building regulations principal designer on the project.

The new Whittingham and Goosnargh Sports and Social Club is part of the wider planned redevelopment of a 150-acre former psychiatric hospital site on the outskirts of Preston.

The modern building replaces a facility that has been standing for more than 70 years and has opened its doors to people in the two villages, after being handed over to the sports and social club’s management. 

The first phase of the social club work has included building the new club house, as well as external kiosks, a playground and car parking.

The second part, which will create new playing fields and restore its bowling green, includes demolishing the old club house. The new sporting facilities will be handed over in December.

The project forms part of the wider redevelopment of the hospital site, which will deliver up to 750 homes.

FWP associate Mike Turner said: “It's fantastic to see the new club open and already being so well used, with function bookings taking place during the first weekend following handover.

“It's clear there's a real demand for a facility like this within the community. The club has been designed to sit comfortably within the wider development while providing a welcoming focal point alongside the sports and recreation facilities.

“We're looking forward to seeing it become a thriving hub and important part of the community for many years to come.”

Carefoot is a long term construction partner to clients in the health, education, commercial and local authority sectors. Andrew Cross, managing director at Carefoot, said: “Replacing a facility that has served the community for more than 70 years is a significant milestone, and it’s fantastic to see the new building open its doors and already welcoming people in.

“Projects like this demonstrate the real value of investing in community facilities, and we’re delighted to have played our part in creating a modern space that will be enjoyed for generations to come."