The Community Network (NE) CiC is set to move into unit 6 of the Victoria Industrial Estate in the South Tyneside town after change of use consent was granted for the 16,000 sqft single-storey premises.
Following support from Sport England and Virgin Money, the space, which is owned by landlord BizSpace will now become a drop-in community sports centre running classes including cheer-leading and parkour, which could soon be classified as Olympic sports. There will also be childcare facilities and a café on the site, which will offer a competition-size cheer floor, a seven-panel sprung floor, two tumble tracks, a gymnastics floor and a bespoke free-running park.
Duncan Christie, surveyor in industrial agency at Naylors, which offers specialist advice and consultancy support including acquisitions, disposals and development, said: “We’ve been proud to be able to secure a lease for this well-located unit that is set to have a huge number of benefits for the local community as the region’s first facility dedicated to urban sports, including additional jobs for up to 15 people.”
Rachel Lynch, Director of The Community Network (NE) CiC, a not-for-profit organisation, added: “We chose the unit here in Hebburn due to its size and location, and Naylors has helped support the process from the very start. Duncan and his team allowed access to the building numerous times, and provided efficient communication between myself and the landlord.”
She went on: “Hebburn is a thriving community with many new families coming into the area. It is an ideal place to create a community hub for physical activity.”
Classes will also include tumbling, gymnastics, and dance for children of all ages and abilities. Rachel added: “All of these offer exciting opportunities for children and young people in our local area to keep fit and healthy. We want The Urban Factory to be a safe place for children to learn and develop, and promise the very best coaching experience to local families.”
BizSpace, one of the UKs largest providers of flexible workspace, has helped to accommodate the new venture by supporting the change of use application and preparing the former industrial facility for its new use.
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