A popular leisure centre used by sports clubs and associations in Davyhulme has been handed over to a local community group as part of a new 25-year lease.
The George Carnall Leisure Centre on Kingsway Park has been run by Trafford Council since it was built in the 1970s.
As part of a Community Asset Transfer, ownership will now be transferred to the George Carnall Community Group, a non-profit charitable group set up to run the centre for the 'benefit of all the community'.
The transfer was agreed by Trafford Council’s Executive in October last year following a series of meetings between local residents and the council.
As part of the transfer, Trafford Council will provide financial support towards the initial running and maintenance costs required by the community group.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “We are delighted to have handed over the running of the centre to the community.
“The centre is now being run by the community, for the community.
“This will be an important community space and a huge asset to the local area in terms of health and wellbeing.
“Our thanks go to the Council staff and George Carnall Community Group members who have worked so very hard to make this happen.
“Trafford Council wishes everyone involved in the centre the best of luck with its future success.”
The centre, which is due to reopen next month, consists of a gym, sports hall, squash courts and fitness studio.
It will be the home for the Trafford Trampolining group and the Trafford Handball Club.
A spokesperson for the George Carnall Community Group said: “We are delighted to have agreed the Asset Transfer of the George Carnall for the benefit of the Community.
“We are looking forward to working with the community to develop a wide range of sports, leisure and well-being activities for everybody.
“The asset transfer team at Trafford Council have played an integral part in achieving this and we thank them for their commitment.”
Read more of toda y's stories here
Andy Brooks, who has previously worked as a Community Project Manager for Life Leisure in Stockport, was recently appointed Facility Manager at the centre.
He will work closely with local community groups to ensure a variety of clubs and activities are available.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of developing the George Carnall Centre into a thriving community hub,” Andy said.
“Our commitment is to provide a facility that will enrich the lives of local people through varied activities and events.
“Our doors will be open very soon and a warm welcome will be given to everyone.”
