Police youth club for New Norfolk

The Derwent Valley Sport and Recreation Centre is set to become
a Police Youth and Citizens Club.

THE Derwent Valley Sport and Recreation Centre will soon reopen as the Derwent Valley Police Youth and Citizens Club (PCYC).

Built in the 1970s and originally known as the New Norfolk Sports Centre, the building off Derwent Terrace was built and managed by an incorporated association but it has been operated by the Derwent Valley Council for the last decade. As well as the main basketball stadium, the building has other facilities including squash courts and a sauna which have been closed for some time.

Derwent Valley Council general manager Greg Winton told a recent council meeting that a partnership had been proposed with the PCYC for future management and development of the centre. "The proposal by the PCYC presents a unique opportunity for the Derwent Valley community to partner with [an] organisation with a strong ethical history that has the capacity to not only manage the centre, but also enhance the offer to the Derwent Valley community," Mr Winton said in a report.

Mr Winton said it was likely that the partnership would strengthen a number of social service activities provided within the community. The council agreed unanimously to enter into an agreement with the PCYC to operate the sports centre and to provide up to $20,000 towards improvements to the building plus an annual contribution of $35,000 towards wages.

PCYC signage has recently been added to the building and renovations are believed to be under way prior to an official opening some time in August. A briefing was provided to sports centre users last week.