Boxing club expansion set with £700,000 funding

A boxing club in Scarborough is set to expand with a main training hall, full-sized boxing ring and gym space after £700,000 of funding was secured.

Westway Boxing Club had already been given £350,000 for the project from Broadland Properties but North Yorkshire Council agreed to provide the remaining amount at a meeting earlier.

The council said it marked a major step forward for grassroots sport and laid the foundations for the site's plans to strengthen its home and impact in the community.

Boxing coach Ryan Ashworth, a long-time member of the club, said: "This investment is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen grassroots sport and secure the club's future for the next 100 years."

He added: "We're excited not only to double our capacity, but to expand the support we offer to young people and vulnerable adults, giving them a safe, positive space to build confidence, discipline and life skills.

"And this is just the start. With members aged from nine to 86, Westway is a true community club and with a bigger, better facility, we're ready to grow our impact even further."

The council's executive member for corporate services, councillor Heather Phillips, said: "Westway Boxing Club is a much-loved facility that has supported generations offering a safe, positive and inspiring space for young people and adults alike.

"This investment gives the club the stability it needs to grow, modernise and continue delivering life-changing opportunities as a true community facility for years to come, as well as improving the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses it."

The expansion plans include new changing rooms and toilets, a cafe area as well as new classrooms and spaces for storage.

Scarborough-based Broadland Properties has also funded the design and planning work for the project.

Richard Guthrie from the company said: "This is fantastic news for Eastfield and for everyone who uses Westway Boxing Club.

"The funding will help the club grow, modernise and continue delivering real benefits for local people and we're delighted to play our part in making it happen."

The funding for the boxing club comes as part of a wider regeneration effort in Eastfield - with local residents invited to have their say on how £3.2m of regeneration funding should be used.

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