Published February 11, 2016 at 15:58
SKI Rossendale has received a bumper boost of £65,000 from Sport England.
The cash injection, which has been matched by a loan from Rossendale Council, takes the total project fund to £630,000 – which will help create a centre of excellence for the north west.
Money will go towards resurfacing the beginner’s run at the iconic Valley attraction, which has staged world record attempts and welcomed several Olympic athletes.
Plans are also in place for a two storey-structure including new first-floor café and clubroom as well as improved disabled access and toilets.
The nursery slope at the Haslingden Old Road centre in Rawtenstall, would also be re-laid and extended by 455 square metres.
David Fuller, Ski Rossendale Project Manager and Head of Snow Sports, said:
“We are 43 years old now. We have to make the facilities suitable for today’s customers – it’s got to be up-to-date.
“We put the building out for tender but it came back much higher than expected, so we had a shortfall to create the building we needed – we didn’t want to downsize. The preparation work is due to start this summer and we are looking forward to a big party to celebrate the relaunch at the end of the year, set for the beginning of the new ski season.”
Cllr Alyson Barnes welcomed the funding saying:
“This is excellent news, not only for our borough but for the whole of East Lancashire. Ski Rossendale is a well-used attraction and is set to get even more popular with the new facilities.”