Visits new £1.3 million development at sports centre

A new £1.3 million development at Sandylands Sports Centre in Skipton has opened, with the project praised as an “outstanding project” by the town’s MP. Sir Julian Smith toured the Roger Beck Sports Facility, which features a dedicated gymnasium, a martial arts hub, a café, and upgraded amenities intended to reinforce the centre’s role as one of Craven’s leading venues for community sport and recreation. The MP highlighted accessibility and inclusion, citing accessible routes into the building and high-quality arrangements in the changing rooms. The facility’s improvements also support Craven Gymnastics Club, which now has a dedicated gymnasium and offers a “Mindful Movement” programme described as seated gymnastics for older participants. The opening included acknowledgements to volunteer trustees, a centre manager, architects, contractors, and funders such as Skipton Building Society and The Tarn Moor Estate. The facility is dedicated to Elizabeth Hawkins and Bruce Dinsmore for their long service.