Six-figure boxing club revamp to pack a punch

A Yorkshire boxing club is fighting fit for the future as work begins on a six-figure expansion aimed at increasing capacity and securing its long-term home.

Goole Amateur Boxing Club (GABC) is refurbishing and expanding its Boothferry Road base through a project involving East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Goole Town Council and the Goole Town Deal.

Plans include purchasing the club’s existing building and a neighbouring former EE mobile phone shop before combining the two properties.

The expanded facility will feature a larger training area, new male and female facilities, a reception, a room for coaches and volunteers and an upstairs fitness space and parents’ area.

Thompson Construction (Yorkshire) Ltd is carrying out the work, which is scheduled for completion in December.

However, GABC chair of trustees Andrew Horncastle MBE says further funding is still required to fully realise the project.

Andrew said: “Goole Amateur Boxing Club is a huge success story, providing people with a place to train, but also a community.

“Boxing clubs are renowned for their ability to change lives, particularly for young people, and GABC is a prime example of that.

“However, the club has been a victim of its own success with a waiting list of people wanting to join and not enough space to accommodate them.

“That’s why we’re so keen to get this project moving – to grow the gym and help our fantastic coaches and volunteers shape and change more lives.”

The club is now appealing to local businesses to provide financial support towards completing the transformation.

Andrew added: “Although work has got underway, we still need to raise a further £225,000 to pay towards the refurbishment.

“So, I would dearly like to see local businesses invest in GABC.

“By doing that, they are investing in young people, and that means they are investing in their future workforce.

“Ensuring the boxing club has a long-term future is one of the most cost-effective ways of doing that.”

Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, added: “This is great for Goole town centre and the community.

“The club has shown it is both wanted and needed and this investment demonstrates what can be achieved with the passion and determination of the trustees, volunteers and club members.”

Nick Coultish, Conservative councillor for Goole North and cabinet member for culture, leisure, and tourism, added: “I am delighted that the club chose to stay in the town centre and expand into the neighbouring empty property, a real win all round as every town centre looks to adapt and find new uses for empty high street properties.”

Phil Jones, chair of Goole Town Deal – a body aimed at driving the sustainable economic regeneration of Goole – added: “GABC has been fantastic for the town.

“It has had a positive impact on antisocial behaviour in the town centre, it welcomes everyone regardless of age, nationality or gender, and it is having a positive impact on the health and lives of the people who train there.

“It’s location also means it sits in the centre of the new £3.1 million Public Realm project currently being delivered alongside the investments in the Market Hall, Victoria Pleasure Ground, and the new Leisure Centre.

“Together, these facilities aim to refresh how the town centre looks and feels, as well as providing public venues and spaces that can be enjoyed and put people back at the heart of the town centre.”

If you would like to pledge a donation to help fund the vital work at GABC, click here.

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