Published Friday 19 March 2021 at 16:01
A new community water sports facility for young people in Blackburn with Darwen has been given approval in principle for a long lease on Council owned land at Fishmoor Reservoir.
The exciting project, estimated to cost upwards of £700k, has already confirmed generous donations and in-kind services from EG Group and Persimmon Homes with kit and equipment donations from Blackburn Sports Council, which are helping the project to set sail.
Blackburn with Darwen’s Executive Member for Growth and Development, Cllr Phil Riley said:
This offers great opportunities for the young people of Blackburn and Darwen. Lancashire School Sailing Association, working with the Council, has an ambitious agenda on the horizon.
Lancashire School Sailing Association, Chair of Trustees, John McCann said: “We aim to help young people overcome barriers and make sport and volunteering accessible for the whole community through building on our previous success and our proposed new water sports facility which will provide young people with low cost access in a safe and inclusive environment.”
EG Group Chief Operating Officer, Salim Hasan commented: “Given the Fishmoor Reservoir provides a scenic backdrop and neighbours our global headquarters and shared service centre, Waterside, we are delighted to be supporting the Lancashire School Sailing Association in this exciting venture. As we come out of lockdown, making such outdoor sport facilities and associated activities accessible and helping various people learn sailing will not only assist personal development but more importantly, tackle mental health issues.”
Persimmon Homes Lancashire managing director, John Roocroft said: “Our Building Futures funding scheme was established to support projects that directly benefit the under 18s, so we were thrilled to be able to make an award of £5,000 to Lancashire School Sailing Association towards this exciting venture.”
Blackburn and District Scouts Chairman Stuart Parker said: “As members of the LSSA, Blackburn Scouts fully support the bid for the watersports hub at Fishmoor. Our 800 young people and volunteers from across the town regularly access watersports and will hugely benefit from this exciting development.”
British Canoeing, Places to Paddle Manager, Ben Seal said: “British Canoeing fully support for the project and its aspiration to get more people active around Blackburn and Darwen”
The project is now seeking relevant planning approvals and applying for further funding.