An artist's impression of Ashville's new sports centre

Ashville makes major investment in facilities

Ambitious plans unveiled at Ashville College for sports centre and running track

Posted by Stephanie Broad | July 22, 2016 | Sports & Leisure

• #ashville-college
• #sports-centre
• #sports-facilities
• #running-track
• #independent-schools
• #harrogate-harriers

New plans aim to significantly develop sports facilities at Ashville College in Harrogate. 

Subject to planning permission being granted, work will begin on a sports centre in Easter 2017, with a view to it being completed in the September of that year. 

The new centre will include:

• New reception, including seating area for parents and visitors
• Two new studios
• New gymnasium
• New rooftop all-weather surface activity area
• New staff offices 

Over the last few years, more than £750,000 has been spent on a state-of-the-art all-weather surface pitch, £100,000 making the swimming pool more energy efficient, £60,000 on improving drainage to the 1st XV rugby pitch and £30,000 on new equipment for the gym. 

Headmaster, Mark Lauder, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to providing our pupils with superb facilities, and marks another exciting chapter in the continual development of the campus. When completed, our sports centre will be a facility that we can be justifiably proud of. Sport is a big part of life at Ashville and, we are able to field A, B and C teams in rugby, netball and hockey. This means that pupils of all abilities are able to participate in competitive sports. We are also developing closer links with regional sporting bodies and welcoming a continual string of world-class coaches to inspire our youngsters in their chosen sport.”

Furthermore, local running club Harrogate Harriers has unveiled plans to develop a £1.5m purpose-built running and athletic track within the grounds of Ashville College.  

Once constructed, this will be first time in the organisation’s history that it will have a permanent home for both its senior and junior members.

The club, which has 550 members (300 of which are aged between 10 and 17), has begun a major fundraising drive to meet the anticipated cost of the scheme.  

Detailed plans for the scheme are to be submitted to Harrogate Borough Council later this month with the hope of work staring in Spring 2017.  

It is anticipated the track, which will be situated on a four-acre plot adjacent to the college’s all-weather pitch, will be completed later that same year.

Harrogate Harriers will have exclusive use of the track on three evenings a week, whilst the school will use it during the day in term time, and on some weekends. 

Use of the facility will also be offered to community organisations and to local schools without a track of their own, to host their own sports days.  

Mark Lauder said: “We are delighted to be partnering Harrogate Harriers in this very exciting project. Over the last few years we have been developing our sports facilities, including an all-weather sports surface and upgraded sports centre, and this will enhance our provisions even further.

“Once completed, our highly-skilled grounds team will take over the management and maintenance of the track, thereby ensuring Harrogate Harriers are not left with any unforeseen future costs. 

“This will be a sports facility that Harrogate Harriers and Ashville College will be proud of and one that the whole town can, and will, benefit from.”