The Severn Centre, Shropshire

What?

• The Severn Centre is a multi-purpose sports and community centre in Highley, an isolated village in rural Shropshire
• It provides high-quality community, leisure, health and life-long learning facilities for the people of Highley and its surrounding areas. Facilities include a fitness suite, heated outdoor pool, indoor sports hall, childcare centre, meeting room and youth skate park

When?

• The centre opened in September 2004

How?

• The £3.5 million project was developed as a multi agency partnership following extensive research and consultation
• A need was identified to provide high quality community social, leisure, lifelong learning, health and recreation facilities for the residents of Highley and the surrounding area
• Set in an isolated rural location, the project’s objective was to provide multi-activity, community sports facility in an area where public transport and sports provision were limited
• Partnership funding was secured from Active England; ERDF Objective; Rural Regeneration Zone; Single Regeneration Budget; Bridgnorth District Council; West Mercia Police; the Market Towns Initiative; the County Sports Partnership; the Clear Skies Initiative; Highley Parish Council and local fundraisers

Summary

• Since the Severn Centre opened, over 30,000 people have used it, with the library in particular becoming an important community asset
• The under 18s now receive over 25 hours of coaching every week
• The centre created 16 new jobs
• More than 4,000 boys and girls under 18 have used the facilities
• Football, tennis, cricket and bowls clubs from Highley regularly use the centre for training and matches
• Community pantomimes and fundraising events are among the 33 functions which have been held there
• The Severn Centre was selected for special recognition within The Deputy Prime Minister’s Award for Sustainable Communities 2005