Alderney's proposed leisure centre will be built as soon as £2 million has been raised.
More than £300,000 has already been pledged, while planning permission for the York Hill facility has been passed by members of the Building and Development Control Committee.
The 15,000sq ft facility will contain a multi-purpose sports hall, swimming pool, squash court, gymnasium, bowling alley, cafeteria and dance studio, as well as changing facilities and steam and sauna rooms.
At a public open day on Wednesday members of Alderney Community Sports and Health Charitable Trust unveiled detailed plans and explained how the centre will be run.
Speaking at the Island Hall event, trustee David Stanley said: "Today's about giving the people of Alderney a chance to see what the plans are. It is also an opportunity for people to let us know what their views are and give them the opportunity to ask questions."
Mr Stanley said it was important the public was kept informed while the funding is ongoing.
"We need to complete our fundraising activities, but see this as an important step. We've been in limbo for the last 18 months due to the global financial crisis but we think the time is right to move forward again."
Mr Stanley outlined the current financial position.
"About £2m needs to be raised. We've got £300,000 in cash and pledges, which is a good start. We will be approaching individuals and organisations in the coming weeks and months.
"Our plan is to build the centre as soon as possible. The idea is to have everything in place so we're ready to go the moment the money is raised."
An agreement with UK-based health club operators Bladerunner means the facility will be operated independently of the Trust once it is built.
Trustee Paul Clark explained the business arrangement.
He said: "Bladerunner operates 90 facilities throughout the UK. They have been to Alderney to assess the community and look at the demographics.
"Once the centre is built Bladerunner will run it. Any profit over a certain amount will be split between Bladerunner and the Trust."
Mr Stanley added: "There are excellent examples of how this can work in a small community. Up in the Shetland Islands a leisure centre has been a resounding success and we see no reason why one couldn't be a success here."
Anyone interested in contributing to the leisure centre fund should email AlderneyCSC@cwgsy.net
3 comments on this article
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EP | Fri 4th June 2010 Alderney already in Guernsey's financial bad books with the airport making a 700K loss... shame really but it had to come out of their (thankfully) partly unused road budget.
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Tex Crampin | Tue 1st June 2010 We visit Alderney every year for golf/Saye Beach! As a pilot we're always looking for venues for sports especially squash and golf.
Just an idea but could you link your Sport and Community Centre into a larger arena of thinking to attract tourists, pilots, etc.
Whilst it is principally for the Alderney community it could work better as an integrated facility. Flying is a key aspect of just getting to Alderney - we would look for good accommodation - good food - swimming - squash - tennis - golf - social - etc. Also it must work over the winter.
Would be glad to provide ideas as an "outsider" if you wish because I have a soft spot for Alderney!
Kind Regards
Tex Crampin
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Doug White | Fri 23rd April 2010 What a cracking plan. There seems to be something for everyone here (even a bar!).
Something do fill those cold winter nights, something for the tourists on a wet summer day, something for the kids and the teenagers. Water aerobics for the elderly, this kind of thing saves money on medical care in the long run.
Maybe The States could allocate some funds from the eventual sale of the current Connaught nursing home? How about Guernsey, could they not chip too? They provide a leisure centre on the big island.
Ultimately we'll probably have to dig deep ourselves which I hope we will.
The Journal believes this is an opportune moment to conduct a survey of the States. The aim is to help the States, its members and those who are considering standing for election. Click here to vote!
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
Mon 6th September 2010 AHOHA (Aldeerney Hard of Hearing Association)
Short AGM followed by a Talk and PowerPoint presentation:'Sri Lanka - Recovery from the War in Jafna - a Personal Experience' by James Dent., Jubilee Home, 14:30 to 16:00
Mon 6th September 2010 Alderney Music Society - Tom Poster (Piano)
Tickets from Sara Fisher (Next to Reynards), Anne French Room, 20:00
The Journal's first States Survey
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 