Source: City of Portsmouth
This is all part of an extensive programme of improvements across Priory School over the past two years, much of which was made possible due to generous support from the Bohunt Education Trust and Portsmouth City Council, alongside the school’s own careful financial management.
An open afternoon and naming ceremony for the centre will be held on Saturday, 26 October, from 1.30-4pm, with lots of sports and games for the community to try.
Stewart Vaughan, Headteacher at Priory School, said:
“It is wonderful when you can work in partnership to achieve something that you cannot achieve on your own. We are now able to offer a wonderful sports facility for our children and our local community because of this partnership with Portsmouth City Council.
“We look forward to welcoming the local community to our open event on the afternoon of 26 October and encourage everyone to drop in, view the venue, and find out what sports they can book to take part in.”
£50,000 of the investment in the indoor sports facilities came from Portsmouth City Council, who saw the potential of creating a multi-sport indoor space that could be used outside school hours to benefit the wider community.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the Council with responsibility for Culture, Regeneration & Economic Development at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“The health and emotional well-being of residents is of paramount importance to us. This shows our commitment to providing sports and leisure facilities across Portsmouth, which are accessible to all and support a wide range of sporting activities. A partnership approach means we can maximise the benefit from investment made into sports facilities, with students and local residents reaping the rewards.
“This superb space is streets ahead of other provision available nearby, offering space for six badminton courts, two netball courts, two tennis courts, and four cricket nets. This is perfect for local sports clubs looking for space to grow.”
This is just one of many investments into sport across the city by the Council, which has totalled £20m so far, with a further £27m to come.
Future investments planned include £20 million towards creating a new hub in Bransbury Park, which will bring sports, swimming, and healthcare together, including a learner pool that can be utilised by many schools nearby. £6 million will also be invested into the Mountbatten Centre to replace the roof, together with the renewal of major mechanical and engineering plant, to secure the future of the building.
Opening times and booking
The public can view availability, prices, book and pay for all of Priory School’s sports facilities through the schoolhire website: priory.schoolhire.co.uk
Opening hours as follows:-
- Monday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm
- Friday 5pm – 9pm (pitch only available until 10pm)
- Saturday 9am – 6pm
- Sunday 9am – 7pm