Huddersfield Giants could set up a new training base in the Salendine Nook area of the town after the purchase of a sporting complex from administrators by club owner Ken Davy (pictured).
The highly-successful 80-year-old businessman, who is currently Super League’s interim Chairman, has bought the Laund Hill site formerly known as Huddersfield YMCA, which is home to the rugby union club of that name.
The complex, which also includes football pitches and a gym and was placed into administration in September 2019, has been handed rent-free to the Lindley Borough Community Club (LBCC), a non-profit organisation that aims to promote and organise community events.
At the same time, Davy has tasked the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust (HGCT) with the further development of the site, with the aim of providing enhanced sporting facilities, including a 4G pitch, which would be used for Giants training sessions as well as by the wider public, and creating a community hub.
The LBCC, which has more than 600 members, aims to widen the range of activities on offer, with community gardens, book clubs and craft groups planned.
The gym – HD3 Fitness – has not been affected by the recent changes.
Speaking on behalf of the HGCT, trustee Richard Thewlis, who is also managing director of the Giants, said: “This is another magnificent gesture by the Davy family for the benefit of everyone in the area.
“The YMCA complex has for many years been a focal point for sport and to think it could have fallen by the wayside in an area that is crying out for improved sports facilities would have been unthinkable.
“The task now is to enhance and improve every aspect of the offering and facilities.
“The first phase of the development will be a state-of-the-art 4G surface and the fundraising for this has now begun.
“In the longer term, if we can move the Giants’ first-team training there as another anchor tenant alongside the LBCC, we will do so, however there are a number of hurdles to overcome before that can become a reality.”
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