Historic mill building could be converted into new ‘sports space’ for village

A historic mill building could be converted into a new ‘sports space’ for a village short on indoor facilities.

The former workshop at Rakewood Higher Mill, in Littleborough, would be ‘repurposed’ as a ‘flexible, simple space to enable a variety of sports’ under the proposals.

The main sports area would be based on the first floor – accessed by a new external staircase – while the waiting area would be directly below at the ground level.

According to papers lodged with Rochdale Council, the new facility would have ‘a specific sports flooring and be available for groups, teams, individuals and coaches to hire out for delivery of sports training/coaching’.

The site on Rakewood Road, close to Littleborough Rugby Club, would also be suitable for hosting fitness and wellbeing classes.

Documents say applicant Peter Clegg identified a need for the facility after ‘travelling extensively to support his own children in their sporting activities and through discussions with sport training providers, coaches and other parents’.

“It has come to their attention that whilst a large amount of community spaces exist within the local area there are very few places which offer specific sport spaces where indoor training can be undertaken,” papers add.

“With the current venues already being oversubscribed, many smaller teams, clubs and groups, have to simply go without the ability to meet [and] train indoors, especially over the autumn/winter months.

“This can be detrimental both to the groups and indeed the individuals within them and it is hoped that this new sport space can help alleviate this issue.”

While the 290 sq m site can be reached by foot or bicycle, vehicles would access it via Rakewood Road and have the use of the existing car park next to the building.

“The provision of this facility fits with the other uses of the site and indeed the existing outdoor sports venue in the village,” documents read.

It is expected that the space will be used by sports, fitness and well-being groups during the week and by teams for training during the evenings and weekends. Personal trainers would also be welcome at all times.

The applicant believes the facility fits well with the other uses of the site and the existing outdoor sports venue in the village.

“It is hoped the sports space will be seen as a welcome addition to the local area and help with the focus, both locally and nationally, on assisting people of all ages to participate in fitness and sporting activities,” papers add.

“Another positive by-product of the space is that it will provide regeneration and support for the rest of the Rakewood Mill site to help to ensure its longevity and protection going forwards.”

A decision on whether to grant planning permission for a change of use will be made by Rochdale Council.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporting Service