Plans submitted to transform Scarborough rugby club into new squash academy

Scarborough Rugby Union Football Club has submitted plans to for the development of a brand new Squash and Racquets Academy.

The proposals, submitted to Scarborough Borough Council, request for the facility to be to built within the rugby club’s Silver Royd premises on Scalby Road.

The application for a new facility comprising of four glass backed Courts and seating areas for spectators follows the recent closure of the Town’s Filey Road Sports Centre, formerly home to Squash in the Town and the subsequent withdrawal of three courts from the newly opened Leisure Village at Weaponness, due in part to a loss of funding from Sport England/England Squash.

The new facility will form part of the Baron’s Fitness Centre and is being led by the McCabe Family via their family owned company with the support of Scarborough Borough Council.

Construction of the new Squash Academy at Silver Royd should commence in early 2018, with completion scheduled for the 3rd quarter of the year.

Kevin McCabe said: “Squash in past times has enjoyed a long and successful history in Scarborough and so at our new Academy to be built within the footprint of the excellent SRUFC’s headquarters, we will create a Centre of Excellence working with local schools and businesses to kick start and reinvigorate this wonderful game in our community for the benefit of all.

“In addition the courts can be used for Racquetball, a blossoming sport that is becoming ever more popular.

Graeme Young, chief executive of Scarborough’s RUFC, added: “We are delighted with the plans for a new Squash Academy at Silver Royd which will form part of Barons Fitness Centre.

“The membership of Scarborough Rugby Club is extremely grateful to the McCabe Family and the Scarborough Group International for their substantial financial investment in the project.

“Kevin’s enthusiasm for the sport is the driving force behind this exciting development. Senior Officers and Councillors at Scarborough Borough Council have also played an active and very supportive role in the Squash Academy Concept.”