Elmbridge council considers £6m Walton 'sports hub'

A £6m "sports hub" could be built in Walton under plans to be discussed by a Surrey council next month.

Elmbridge council said three sports clubs were falling into disrepair and taxpayers could pay up to £4m over the next 15 years to maintain them.

It said new facilities could be built for about £6m with no impact on taxpayers because funds would come from the council's capital budget.

The facilities, for all three clubs, would be built near the Xcel centre.

'Serious doubts'

The clubs are Walton and Hersham Football Club, Walton Athletics Club and Walton Casuals Football Club, which are currently on council-owned sites.

A statement from the council said: "There are serious doubts about the wisdom of investing more money in outdated buildings.

"For example, the council is spending £35,000 each year just to maintain the football pitch and much bigger bills will follow to prop up the ailing facilities."

The proposals include a new building, a spectator stand, extra recreation space, a new playground, walking areas, picnic facilities and parking.

The council said the development would be in greenbelt land and "careful consideration will be needed to be given to things like transport links, traffic and the impact on the environment".

The authority said it would also seek external funding where possible.

And some funds could come from the sale of the site currently occupied by clubs at Stompond Lane, the council said.

The council will consider the proposals on 7 December, after which an application for planning permission could be submitted.