Stockport to hand sports centre to community

Stockport Council is seeking to appoint a community group to run a new leisure centre in Heaton Moor.

The council has reserved part of the former Peel Moat site for a new sports development. Outdoor, all-weather football pitches and changing facilities will form part of the development and the council is open to ideas from bidders about other community facilities it could provide.

The council will contribute to the cost of the development, which will then operate independently and be managed by the community organisation.

Cllr Iain Roberts, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "Following consultation with residents, it became clear that local sports and community facilities are very important to people in Heaton Moor. We're committed to supporting our residents in keeping active and healthy, so this partnership is an ideal solution. We're keen to hear from all community groups with their ideas and proposals."

The deadline for proposals is 17 March 2013.