First look at plan for new Ludlow Boxing Club HQ
An image of how a new £65,000 boxing club for Ludlow youngsters will look when it is finished has been released.
The steel frame of the new Ludlow Boxing Club is already up and bricked in and windows and the roof have been added to make it almost weather-resistant.
Work on a car park at the site near Sandpits Road, in Ludlow, has yet to be done and the club itself also has to be fitted out so fundraising is ongoing.
The previous building off Wheeler Road was used by the club after it reformed in 2007 but it became so dilapidated that a decision was taken to tear it down and build a new one.
Demolition was carried out in December 2011 and work on the new building began just under a year later.
Funding has come from Shropshire Council, Ludlow Town Council and private donations.
Gina Wilding, clerk of Ludlow Town Council, said the building will also provide a community room for groups and families to use.
She added: "The new facilities in the club will include a boxing ring, a community space, unisex-disabled access changing rooms, a kitchen, and adult shower facilities.
"The boxing club is a community youth facility and fundraising will be needed to ensure its ongoing development and success.
"There are many ways that local businesses can sponsor equipment or donate funds to support and benefit young people in Ludlow."
The boxing club now caters for more than 80 people aged from 10 to 30 of all abilities and has recently enjoyed a surge in numbers since the London 2012 Olympics.
Club secretary Duncan Morris said has he hoped it would bring in more members.
Trustee Simon Pearce said he believes Ludlow Amateur Boxing Club's new base will mark the beginning of an exciting future.
"Originally, the hut in which we trained had a crack and, eventually, we were stopped from training in it," he said.
The club is currently training in temporary premises at Ludlow Business Park.
New members of the club are welcome. Gum shields are required to spar but all other equipment is provided and all coaches are qualified.
Club membership is £5 and training sessions are £2 junior and £3 adults.
Further details are available from club vice-chairman Colin Woodfield on 07866 502485.
