A NEW £2.1-million sports development in Okehampton has been given a kick start by Devon County Council.
A county cash award of £600,000 means work on the longed for project is likely to start this summer — first up in the multi-activity development will be the replacement of the all-weather pitch. It is hoped it will be available for use next winter.
The £600,000 award to Okehampton Recreation Association (OCRA) has been made by Devon County Council's Investing in Devon Fund, to boost sport and recreation in the town.
OCRA activity development manager Stuart Lord said: 'This is fantastic news and means we will be able to carry out phase one of this project, which is the much needed replacement of the all- weather pitch this summer.
'After 18 years the ground has become very worn and tired but this award, along with funding from Okehampton United Charity, Okehampton College, West Devon Borough Council and Okehampton Town Council, means we can now look forward to a new, fantastic facility for the 2009/10 season.
'It is the final piece in what has been an eight-year struggle.'
The all-weather pitch will replace the existing pitch on the school grounds and will be used for hockey, netball and multi activities, but can also be used for football and rugby training.
The second phase of the project is for a new pitch. Termed by OCRA the 'third generation pitch', it will be in the Okement Valley area and will be for football and rugby games only. The pitch will be separate from the existing Okehampton Argyle FC pitch. Work on it will begin once the all-weather pitch is completed.
Phase three is for a new changing facility building, to be situated next to the existing tennis club.
The whole project will be completed by 2012.
The vision for the new development was developed through consultation, with OCRA working closely with sports clubs, Okehampton College and a wide range of local, regional and national agencies.
Mr Lord said the project would build on the area's excellent sporting and activity club infrastructure.
'The aim is to keep sporting and recreational opportunities in one place so that people can enjoy a wide range of activities — for example, while children are playing football, parents and grandparents could be playing tennis or walking or playing with younger children on the wonderful play facilities.'
He said the Investing in Devon funding will bring great confidence to the project, enabling OCRA to use it as a catalyst to attract more.
'The Okehampton Sport and Activity Hub project is not just about improved facilities but a positive, active image for the town that will encourage tourism, make Okehampton a better place to live and attract a wide range of events to what is a fantastic setting.'
Other elements of the project include a children's play area of artificial sand, improved walking and fitness trails and better access to wilderness spaces.
Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'I have recognised for a long time how important OCRA is to providing affordable sport for everyone.
'It is not only sport they provide but also other activities for all ages, which is just as important.
'The new sporting hub is just what this town needs and will benefit so many people in Okehampton and its surrounding area.'
Chairman of OCRA David Carter said the new sports and activity hub would benefit the whole of Okehampton: 'It is a fantastic opportunity for people to further their sporting activities and we at OCRA are very happy to be a part of that.'
Leader of Devon County Council Cllr Brian Greenslade said: 'This is a very worthwhile initiative that will benefit the whole community of Okehampton and surrounding areas.
'Devon County Council is very pleased to support this exciting new facility.'