REVEALED: New sports facilities to transform Chorley

Plans have been revealed for '˜first-class' new sports facilities for Chorley.
Proposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in ChorleyProposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in Chorley
Proposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in Chorley

Chorley Council and Chorley Community Trust have proposed plans to build a number of facilities which will host sports throughout the year in Astley Village - and new plans have been announced for Westway playing fields.

In 2015, the community trust, which owns the Chorley Rugby Union Football Club site off Chancery Road, had plans approved to build a two-storey pavilion with a seated stand, viewing balcony, fitness suite, changing rooms and function suite, along with grass and artificial pitches.

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Plans have now been revised to include a multi-use games area, netball courts, additional parking and a care home and will be submitted for planning approval, together with the proposals on Chorley Council land, to build two grass pitches, one artificial grass pitch with floodlighting and an event car park on the Westway site.

Proposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in ChorleyProposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in Chorley
Proposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in Chorley

Coun Alistair Bradley, leader of the council, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce proposals to bring first class, multi-use sports facilities to Chorley that everyone can use as well as vital parking spaces for the many people that attend events in Astley Park.

“The initial plans submitted last year by Chorley Community Trust were proposing some great improvements to the facilities in the area and work has already started on the two-storey pavilion.

“However, it makes sense for both the rugby club site and Westway playing fields site to be developed together and share facilities so a new planning application will be submitted to incorporate these changes.

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“Westway playing fields have needed to be improved for some time and we think these proposals will offer even more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport.”

Proposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in ChorleyProposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in Chorley
Proposed plans for new sports facilities on Westway playing fields in Chorley

The two developments are set to be linked with a footbridge over Euxton Brook that will allow users to access the facilities across the site.

It will also create 480 parking spaces which will help to ease parking issues in and around Astley Village during big events.

Tony Callander, chair of Chorley Community Trust, said: “We have great aspirations to turn our single sports site into a multi-use community centre for everyone to use throughout the year.

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“Adding the extra pitches and parking to Westway playing fields will mean we can offer even more facilities for the local community and it made sense to link the two developments together.

“I would encourage anyone who would like to see the plans in more detail and discuss them with us to attend the drop in session or fill in the online survey.

“It is important that we get everyone’s views on this.”

The consultation drop-in event will take place at Astley Village Community Centre on Hallgate between noon and 5pm on Saturday, June 25. If the plans are approved, the facilities should be up and running by autumn 2017.

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