Royal opening for Heywood Sports Village

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali alongside the Duke of Gloucester as he unveils the commemorative plaque

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The Heywood Sports Village was officially opened by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester today (Wednesday 13 October 2010).

The Duke, a first cousin to the Queen, was given a tour of the sports complex before unveiling a commemorative plaque and signing the visitor’s book. 

The Duke was introduced to guests whilst children from Our Lady and St Paul’s RC Primary School choir sang a selection of songs.

During the visit the Duke learnt about activities available at the Sports Village, and met guests including, MP for Heywood and Middleton, Jim Dobbin, the Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Irene Davidson, Link4Life Managing Director Craig McAteer, Link4Life representatives, New Heart for Heywood Representatives.

Councillors from across the borough were also in attendance. Heywood Councillor, Colin Lambert said: “I have had a tour around the Sports Village and it is a fantastic facility which Heywood has been asking for for some time and it is something that will be sustained into the future.

“It is a remarkable achievement and it shows how partnership can work and I am very proud that we have this facility in Heywood.”

The £10.4 sports complex opened to the public on the 20 September and on the pre-opening weekend, Olympic and World Champion Swimmer, Keri-Anne Payne paid a visit to give the development her seal of approval.

Link4Life Managing Director Craig McAteer said: “I feel very proud this is a great facility for the people of Heywood and the rest of the borough and it is an example of a great partnership.”

Councillor Jacqui Beswick added: “I think this is a great attribute to the town, this is the best project we have managed to deliver for a long time.

“It is a long time coming and having seen it, been in it, and be a user I think it is the best thing for Heywood, it is fantastic.

“Anybody in the community who wants to access it will benefit from it.”

The Heywood Sports Village is the second of two new multi-million pound sport and leisure complexes to be launched in the last eighteen as part of a £34 million investment programme in sport and leisure in the borough being spearheaded by Rochdale Borough Council and Link4Life.

The £14 million Middleton Arena, which combines sport and leisure with a 500 seat auditorium, opened in January 2009.

Work is due to start on site in November on a Sports Village-style facility for Rochdale.