A GROUND-breaking project - probably the first of its kind in Britain - could bring the vastly under-used Damside car park back into life as a sports and leisure training facility.

Clubs are already responding to the Continental-style, multi-sports concept that's been proposed. Initial response to a steering group meeting at Keighley Business Forum was encouraging with clubs represented including cricket, rugby, soccer, running, triathlon and climbing.

What will be created if there's the interest and money will be extensive indoor training areas on all four levels, supplemented by specialist areas. Keighley is seen as lacking a facility in which Winter training in particular can be carried out in a safe and secure environment - and at a reasonable cost. It is hoped a wide variety of clubs will use the centre not just for training and skills development but also as a HQ and focal point for shared resources.

It is not viewed as direct competition for centres like Marley, Keighley Leisure Centre or Greenhead. Says Keighley and Craven AC chairman John Dennis, driving force behind the project: "We are very much open to ideas at the moment because in order to get this going we need to incorporate people's wishes.

"It is dependent on grant monies to get it going. It has to be a commercial enterprise and can be kick-started by funding from the likes of the Lottery, SRB or whatever. But it has to be sustainable and set up on a sound economic footing and this is why there is a link with the Business Forum."

He hopes to have plans and firm proposals ready by May and clubs or organisations interested can contact him on 655885. He adds: "We want to model it on the excellent facilities to be found in Australia and Germany and provide athletes with the means to be as good as they can get.

"You've got to believe that something is

possible."

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