By Martin Walker
Work on an exciting new indoor football facility in Newton Aycliffe is due to start soon.
The £1.7m Soccer Factory will convert the former Thrislingtons factory on Aycliffe Business Park into a state-of-the-art indoor complex, and work is due to start imminently.
Managing director Dan Lewis said: “It has been frustrating that we have fallen slightly behind schedule but we understand that the economic climate isn’t easy for business angel investors at the minute, and as such it has taken us slightly longer the generate the funding required to complete the project.
“However that funding now appears to be in place and we are just waiting for the solicitors to sign it off and give us the go ahead.
“Whilst we had hoped to be open by now, we are confident that the facility will be one the people of Aycliffe and the surrounding areas will be proud of and will take full advantage of in the coming months and years.
“It is a long-term project aimed at improving the leisure provision in this area and as such a short delay is not the end of the world.”
Phil Wilson, the Labour MP for Sedgefield and also president of the town’s football club, added: “I’ve seen the plans for the Soccer Factory and it promises to be an exciting new facility for the town and surrounding areas.
“There’s a real appetite for football in this region and I think there’ll be a high demand for the use of this brilliant new complex – I’m looking forward to seeing it open.”
It’s hoped the first of the five-a-side courts will still be ready for Christmas, with other facilities continually being added.
The completed facility will boast seven spacious courts, utilising the latest 3g artificial grass technology, a health and fitness suite, strength and conditioning suite, multi-purpose studios, a physiotherapy clinic, a café/ bar, function rooms and meeting spaces.
Any enquiries regarding The Soccer Factory should be directed to [email protected].