Official hand over of new controversial Halesowen sports club (From Halesowen News)

Official hand over of new controversial Halesowen sports club

11:06am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

A NEW sports ground, controversially built on a Halesowen beauty spot, has been formerly handed over to club officials by the developers.

Proposals by St Modwen to relocate the Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club on the Coombeswood Green Wedge, to make way for housing on the site that had been its home for almost a century, was met with strong opposition from residents and conservationists.

But the plans eventually won the go-ahead and the five acre site now features a cricket ground, practice nets, a bowling green and a pavilion with club and committee rooms, bar, kitchen, changing rooms, toilets and store rooms.

The ownership of the new premises, off Stewarts Road, has now been transferred to the club, securing the future of Coombs Wood Cricket Club.

St Modwen’s senior development surveyor Ian Romano said: “We are pleased to hand over these new facilities and secure the future of the cricket club, helping its members improve and develop their game.”

Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club chairman Nick Jones said there had already been considerable interest in the club from its new neighbours and several membership applications have been received.

He added: “Our previous club in Coombs Road was out of date and did not provide adequate facilities for our cricket club members, but these new top class facilities and larger ground will enable them to invest and plan for the future.”

The new club is part of a £2 million scheme, which also includes the building of 59 homes on its former site and new grass pitches, tarmac playing area, early years learning centre and environmental zone at nearby Olive Hill Primary Hill.

Mr Romano said the company is also planning extensive biodiversity improvements to the green wedge.

A total of 12 acres of currently fenced off land will also be reinstated for public access with £60,000 of funding provided for a warden to be employed on the wedge three days a week for five years.