Sod cutting ceremony marks start of sports centre build

The latest phase of the multi-million pound revamp of Myerscough College’s Bilsborrow campus has been celebrated with a traditional sod cutting ceremony to mark the start of the building of a new Sports Centre.

Work is underway on the building of the state-of-the-art facility which will compliment the college’s current Sports Centre, which was built in the 1990s.

The works comprise of the demolition and removal of an existing Sportsturf centre and workshop, as well as the demolition of a derelict, disused pavilion, to make way for the erection of a new Sports Centre, including a hall as well as a Strength & Conditioning suite and offices, and a new Sportsturf Management facility. Funding for the £3.2m project has come courtesy of a partnership with Natwest.

John Wherry, deputy principal resources, Myerscough College, said: “It’s an exciting time for the college as we develop a new sports hall to meet the changing educational needs of our students.

"The new complex will include state of the art facilities which will allow for us to continue developing our students to their full potential."

Local contractor Carefoot, based in Longridge, will be responsible for the construction of the new building that will be constructed in keeping with the modern Engineering, Rural Skills, Veterinary Nursing and Foundation Learning buildings that have been completed on the site of the college’s main Bilsborrow campus over the last few years.

Over the last few weeks, demolition of the Sportsturf unit and pavilion has taken place, and the site cleared and levelled, so work can begin on laying the foundations. The project is scheduled to finish next year, where the new building will operate alongside the current centre.

The finished building will enhance Myerscough’s existing very strong sporting connections. The main hall will be larger than the one in the college’s current centre, enabling matches, mainly basketball, to be played at a much more elite level.

Chief executive and principal of Myerscough College, Ann Turner, explained: ‘’Exciting times are ahead. It’s a further multi-million pound investment into the ongoing redevelopment of the campus.

‘’When it’s finished it’ll be something we can be proud of and I know the subject areas that will utilise the new facility can’t wait to get started. It’s fantastic that we’re getting another new building that will significantly benefit both our students and the public.’’

Sue Haslem, relationship Director at NatWest, supported the deal and said: “I was delighted to support Myerscough College on this development which will enhance the overall student experience from both a recreational and educational standpoint. It’s an exciting time for Myerscough and I wish them every success for the future.”

The build comes on the back of the recent completion of the college’s new Foundation Learning Centre. In addition, Myerscough College’s Animal Academy is currently being redeveloped and will triple in size with a £3m upgrade. Work on that is due to finish in the autumn. The college is also building a brand new accommodation block for students. This project is expected to commence in December. NatWest provided a £1.8m for this project.