University sports facilities plan set for go-ahead (From York Press)

York St John University's sports facilities set for go-ahead

8:00am Friday 15th February 2013 in News By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

THE next phase of a new sports complex in York could soon get the go-ahead.

York St John University bought the former Rowntree sports park, Mille Crux, from Nestlé last year with the aim of improving its sports facilities and providing opportunities for community groups through its Centre For Sport.

The latest proposals for the 5.9-hectare site off Haxby Road include two full-size, all-weather pitches for football and rugby, three netball courts and three tennis courts, as well as floodlights.

City of York Council planning officers have recommended them for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next week.

If the scheme is rubber-stamped, a new access route would also be created alongside parking space for 114 cars, eight coaches and 40 bikes, while a pedestrian crossing would be installed to link changing facilities on the eastern side of Haxby Road with the pitches on the other side.

Some trees would be cut down, although others would be planted, and although some allotments will make way for the development, a report by development management officer Michael Jones said their occupants were happy to move to other plots nearby.

“The university currently has sporting facilities in different locations in the city, but these are not of the size and standard which the university aspires to,” said Mr Jones in his report.

“The proposals would allow significantly more participation in sport at one purpose-built location which is accessible from the university campus, as well as surrounding residential areas. At present, the university has insufficient facilities to host home matches and larger team events.

“It is clear there is a significant benefit for the university and some community groups in the proposed facilities. The development will meet a clear need and the continuing aspirations of the university to expand its offer.”

In 2010, Mille Crux was listed among the potential sites for York’s community stadium, but was discounted. The stadium will instead be built at Monks Cross. York St John has already built a six-lane, 110m sprint track for its students at the site, among other facilities.