A cricketing legend was brought in to help open Colchester's new £29 million state-ofthe-art sports park.
Colchester mayor Robert Davidson officially opened the Northern Gateway Sports Park, just off the A12 at junction 28, yesterday, at a ceremony attended by Essex and England cricketing great Graham Gooch.
The new Northern Gateway Sports Park facility features a cycle track, a learn to ride course and cycle pump track for children.
The 76-acre sport and leisure facility also boasts 3G pitches, grass rugby pitches, a multi-use sports centre, fitness suite, exercise studios, an interactive velo studio, indoor cricket, badminton, futsal and archery.
Colchester Rugby Club will be moving to the site, with a brand new clubhouse created.
Theresa Higgins, councillor responsible for commercial services, said: “I am happy to be opening this fantastic sports facility.
“I have enjoyed the cycle track and look forward to professionals, families and people of all abilities racing along the circuit.
“There are so many sports available here to have a go at - the gym is state-of-the-art; the sports hall is fantastic and the velo studio is truly challenging for anyone wishing to take on the ultimate cycle experience.
“With open green spaces I know the sports park will become a popular hub for Colchester.”
Colchester mayor Mr Davidson added: “During these difficult times health and wellbeing have never felt more important and the new facility will help the people of Colchester and visitors to lead healthier, happier lifestyles.”
The facility is part of a wider sport and leisure development at Northern Gateway which is being project managed to Colchester Amphora Trading, Colchester Council’s arms-length firm.
It has been supported by funding from groups including British Cycling, Sport England and from England and Wales Cricket Board.
Colchester Cycling Campaign has welcomed the opening of the new facility.
Read more:
- £29 million Northern Gateway Sports Park opens to the public
- Paddy & Scott's coffee shop opening at Northern Gateway in Colchester
- All we know about Northern Gateway Sports Park as it opens on Monday
Chairman Alan Spence said: “This major development will encourage cycling and other sports in Colchester and we welcome it.
“The learning facilities for beginners will be a great place to go for children and adults to get started with cycling and build up the confidence to become every day cyclists.
“The one-mile track, bike hire and overall promotion of cycling all make the Northern Gateway Sport Park a positive development for cycling in Colchester and the region.”
Visit colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/northerngatewaysportspark.
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