Wot do people make of this.. : Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:28 pm
Tycoons in bid to launch sports club
Two of Wigan's richest men are backing ambitious plans to create a new sports club.
Latics chairman Dave Whelan and former crane hire boss Martin Ainscough are prepared to pump their money into the scheme.
It aims to attract thousands of youngsters, introduce them to new sports and pastimes, and keep them off the streets and out of trouble.
The businessmen have already been in talks with Metro chiefs and three possible sites have been identified, but they are also looking for other business partners and contributors to come on board.
One of the sites under consideration is the Mesnes Field bordered by New Market Street and Mesnes Park Terrace which is currently designated as an open space.
There were protests when the Metro proposed using the land for a temporary car park to counter a shortage of spaces elsewhere while the Grand Arcade was being built, and a promise was fulfilled in restoring it to an open space.
The Metro would have to go through a legal process to allow building if that site was deemed the most desirable. The other two options under consideration have not been revealed although one is under council ownership and the other is not.
The Wigan club is likely to be based on the nationally-acclaimed Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club which currently boasts around 3,000 members and launched Amir Khan's boxing career.
Mr Whelan said: "We had a Wigan Boys' Club in Clayton Street, Wallgate, just after the war and it later moved to Soho Street near the Asda store but what they did not have was a proper gymnasium, boxing area or playing fields which this new project should have, and it never took off.
"But it got me off the street playing in a brass band and playing football. The latter led to me signing for Blackburn Rovers.
"That's where it all started. That's what gave me a big break and so it could be repeated for so many other young people in Wigan today."
Mr Ainscough said: "We are wholeheartedly behind this scheme but we don't want people to think this is the Whelan and Ainscough Show. We are looking for other funders and we are just starting the appeal off.
"This is a project for the Wigan community and it's a bit like the way Wigan Hospice got started with business contributions."
Metro leader Lord Smith said this was a serious and concerted attempt to give young people new interests and engage talents.
The aim would be to have the club close to Wigan town centre to attract a wide membership and be near public transport.
He said: "We are looking at three locations on which buildings and pitches would be placed and we need to talk to our partners and share our thoughts with them.
"One site suggested is the Mesnes Field. That is currently designated as open space in the current plan and if we wanted to change its usage there are criteria to meet. Each site will be properly assessed.
"But we do feel it is important to get one of these centres for Wigan. Young people get a lot of criticism but we need to channel their talents and interests into something positive.
"The Government is offering a range of support for these kinds of projects.
"I have been to have a look at the Bolton example and it is very impressive. They do a whole range of activities for boys and girls – some 20 in all – including sport and climbing and have around 3,000
members."
