Group behind Hindlip sports complex hit back at MP's comments (From Worcester News)

Group behind Hindlip sports complex hit back at MP's comments

THE people behind a proposed £70million community sports complex have expressed disappointment at comments about the scheme by town MP Peter Luff.

Chief executive of Sir Bert Millichip Sports (SBMS), Peter Millichip, has expressed his disappointment at the views of the Mid-Worcestershire MP towards a proposed landmark at Hindlip.

“We’re very disappointed by Peter Luff’s apparent antagonism towards our scheme, which we believe will lift Worcester and south Worcestershire and answer the government’s call for private initiative and enterprise to meet the needs of local people,” said Mr Millichip.

In a press release, Mr Luff voiced concerns about the scheme’s viability.

These include an academy and alternative venue for Worcestershire CCC, a Sir Bobby Robson football academy, championship golf course, Olympic sized swimming pool, regional tennis and hockey centres, purpose built facilities for dance, gymnastics and martial arts, multi-purpose sports hall capable of hosting major sports events, concerts and conferences and an outdoor plaza with shops and restaurants.

Mr Millichip said: “It is specifically designed to benefit the local community. We are seeking to create a holistic development plan including landmark sports facilities, jobs, new housing and commercial development and improved transport links. We anticipate the plans will then create a platform for inward economic investment into south Worcestershire.

“We have not just pulled a rabbit from a hat. We’ve been working on these proposals for four years. During that time, we have consulted local people and the authorities.

“The big difference between us and other developers is that funds raised from enabling development will be ploughed back to provide south Worcestershire with a unique one-stop sporting environment that it so desperately needs and also the community facilities which have been identified as being needed by the residents of Fernhill Heath.

“The government has challenged the private sector to lead Britain’s economic recovery. To pour cold water on those of us taking up that challenge is disappointing,” Mr Millichip continued.

The display at British Sporting Heroes exhibition at Worcester Catherdral is the first step in a public participation process.

Mr Millichip added: “Peter’s comment about the facilities only being open to elite athletes is not true and to say that the scheme will bring little local benefit is also wrong.”