A boxing club in Scarborough will be safeguarded as a “true community facility” after we agreed to contribute hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund an expansion to secure the venue for generations to come.
The £700,000 investment for Westway Boxing Club from both the council and Broadland Properties marks a major step forward for grassroots sport and lays the foundations for the site’s long‑term plans to strengthen its home and expand its impact in the community.
Members of our executive have today (Tuesday, 16 June) agreed to fund a shortfall of £350,000 to extend the boxing club which is situated in the Eastfield neighbourhood of the town.
Scarborough-based Broadland Properties has already stepped in to cover the first £350,000, in addition to funding the design and planning work.
The authority’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, said: “Westway Boxing Club is a much‑loved facility that has supported generations offering a safe, positive and inspiring space for young people and adults alike.
“This investment gives the club the stability it needs to grow, modernise and continue delivering life‑changing opportunities as a true community facility for years to come as well as improving the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses it.”
The expansion plans include a main training hall with a full-sized boxing ring, extra gym space, changing rooms and toilets, a café area as well as new classrooms and spaces for storage.
Welcoming the decision, coach Ryan Ashworth, who has been a part of Westway Boxing Club for several years, said: “This investment is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen grassroots sport and secure the club’s future for the next 100 years.
“We’re excited not only to double our capacity, but to expand the support we offer to young people and vulnerable adults, giving them a safe, positive space to build confidence, discipline and life skills.
“And this is just the start. With members aged from nine to 86, Westway is a true community club and with a bigger, better facility, we’re ready to grow our impact even further.”
Richard Guthrie, of Broadland Properties, said: “This is fantastic news for Eastfield and for everyone who uses Westway Boxing Club. The funding will help the club grow, modernise and continue delivering real benefits for local people and we’re delighted to play our part in making it happen.”
The funding for the boxing club comes as part of a wider regeneration effort in Eastfield. In December last year, we asked Eastfield community groups to agree on a single plan for how £3.2 million in regeneration funding should be used in the area.
This funding is an exception to the authority’s previous decision that money from the £3.2 million reserve would only be allocated after a community‑led investment plan is developed through the Town Investment Plan (TIP) process.
Elected member for the Eastfield division, Cllr Tom Seston, said: “There is significant investment planned for Eastfield, and this funding for Westway Boxing Club is one of a series of improvements that our communities will see.
“I am delighted that this project will benefit people of all ages - from young members just starting out to older residents and those living with Parkinson’s disease.
“Westway Boxing Club already plays a vital role in the community, and this investment will help it offer even more tailored support, creating a safe, positive space where everyone can train, connect and thrive.”