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Search the Public Notice PortalLeaders of an Oxfordshire town have said they are ‘thrilled’ as a new sports park and cafe opens.
The mayor of Witney and the leader of the town council have both expressed their delight after the new Courtside hub was opened at The Leys Recreation Ground last week.
For several years the area in the popular park was under development but now that it has been completed it includes a community café – called The Shed – with expanded seating, an indoor multi-purpose studio, and three full-size tennis, two netball and four pickleball courts.
READ MORE: Major new community hub opens in Oxfordshire town's park
In addition covered padel courts will have a new viewing terrace, there are new public toilets and changing rooms, and free-to-use facilities will include small basketball courts, table tennis tables and improved access to the skatepark.
The project was led by Courtside, supported by Witney Town Council and the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
The council put £250,000 towards the scheme and Ruth Smith, leader of Witney Town Council, said she was “really pleased” that it is fully open.
She said: “The Town Council has supported Courtside’s transformation of The Coffee Shed into this wonderful hub so that sport and recreation in Witney can thrive in more dimensions than the council alone could provide.
“Whether it’s training Witney’s next tennis and padel stars, hosting sports teams and supporters, providing fitness classes in the studio or keeping the coffee and freshly prepared meals coming, we will wonder how we ever did without it.
“I am really pleased that Courtside at The Leys is now fully open. Do spend the summer getting to know the Courtside team and getting involved with sport and community events.”
Meanwhile, Jane Doughty, the mayor of Witney, said she was “absolutely thrilled”.
She said: “It is a brilliant facility, offering excellent customer service and a great selection, and it is already proving to be a huge asset to our wonderful town of Witney.
“This new space will be enjoyed by people of all ages, bringing the community together in a positive and welcoming environment.
"I would like to recognise that Witney Town Council staff have worked incredibly hard in partnership with Courtside to make this vision a reality.
“It is fantastic to see such an investment in our town, and I look forward to seeing it flourish for many years to come.”
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Accessibility improvements have also been introduced, including wider pedestrian pathways, step-free access around the hub, additional disabled parking, space for mobility scooters and new cycle racks.
At the launch Jeff Hunter, chief executive of Courtside hub, shared his gratitude to the town council and all the other stakeholders for their support.
He added: “We would like to thank local residents for their patience during the construction period.
"Their support has helped make this transformation possible, and we’re delighted now to welcome everyone into the completed space.”
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