Grand design will boost sport and jobs

THE proposals to revamp the Huntingdon Olympic Gymnastics Club will create a community building worthy of training gymnasts for 2012. The building in which the existing gym is currently housed was cheaply built for industrial use. The new plans will be mu

THE proposals to revamp the Huntingdon Olympic Gymnastics Club will create a community building worthy of training gymnasts for 2012.

The building in which the existing gym is currently housed was cheaply built for industrial use. The new plans will be much more elegant and built using the latest energy efficiency designs.

Despite the increased capacity on the site, the planners hope to heat and light the new building without increasing the amount of gas or electricity needed for the old hall.

The new building will contain a dance studio, internet cafe, coffee lounge, physiotherapy room, lecture room, a balcony for indoor bowls and a sports hall which will be fully accessible to those with disabilities.

The new hall will be built at a 90 degree angle to the existing building and will be connected to allow spectators to look over both halls from the balcony.

There will be a large seating area which will enable the gym to host national gymnastic events.

The vehicular access to the site will switch from Clayton's Way to Mayfield Road to help reduce likely traffic congestion with the increased capacity.

Architect Katie Thornburrow said: "This development will not only benefit the people who use the gym but it will also provide regeneration and jobs for the people of Huntingdon - both during construction and after completion."

It is estimated the work will take 39 weeks to complete, which means that, if funding is secured, the new facility could be open in early 2008.