Almost mid-way through a four year funding programme, England Squash & Racketball (ESR) has already invested £600,000 at 24 facilities in England. This direct capital investment coupled with partnership funding has helped to deliver facility improvements, refurbishments and new court builds that have totalled £2.7 million.
We have partnered with community clubs, local authorities and a University to support a range of different schemes, from low scale investment projects such as heating improvements and general court refurbishments to major work. This has enabled the development of substantial new builds, all of which are in an excellent position to grow the sports of squash and racketball.
One major investment project is a new 3 court squash development at the Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University and we are working in close partnership with the University and the County Sports Partnership to enhance delivery of student and community initiatives at this great site.
Another Year 2 major project at the Coolhurst LT&SRC is currently under construction and will see the development of a further 4 courts at the club to bring the total number to 7. The demand for the courts is significant and ESR will be working closely with the Club to take advantage of the provision and grow activity and usage. The facility when complete is expected to be a key asset to the sports in North London.
ESR is committed to maximising its available limited resources to enhance squash court provision and the Capital Funding is provided by Sport England as part of our organisations Whole Sport Plan Agreement.
Jon Carney, ESR Facilities Investment Manager stated, “We are pleased to be in a position to financially support a number of excellent projects that will play a key role in our organisations achievement of its wider aims and objectives. In essence this is to encourage more people to play and stay in the sports of squash and racketball.” He continued, “The relationships that have been developed on the back of our capital investment will be pivotal in achieving this and we look forward to taking advantage of these opportunities.”
Image: An artist’s impression of the new squash court facility adjacent to the existing tennis courts and squash courts at Coolhurst LT&SRC
