CHESHIRE Jets will quit Chester and move to back Ellesmere Port if plans to build a £10.8m sports and leisure complex in the club’s original hometown get the go- ahead.
Cheshire West and Chester Council this week revealed that Ellesmere Port had been earmarked for a new multi-million-pound facility, which would replace the ageing EPIC leisure centre where Jets used to play in their formative years.
Jets, who currently play home matches at the 1,000-capacity Northgate Arena, could move into the new 1,500-seat arena by 2014 if outline planning permission is granted and funding secured.
Jets director Pete Hawkins said: “There is a lot to do before this plan can become a reality.
“But if it does, it will take the club on to the next level. We will be only the second club after Manchester to have learning and community facilities on-site.
“We will end up having one of the best venues in the league.”
While a design has not yet been drawn up, it is hoped the facility could incorporate a learning centre to support the Jets’ key community project, Hoops4health.
The plans are still in their infancy, however, and the Jets are still finalising funding from Sport England and other bodies, including the council, for the project.
Jets have been looking for ways to upgrade their facilities since the club was saved from extinction by fans in 2007.
The British Basketball League’s new TV deal with Sky Sports requires that clubs work towards playing in venues suitable for TV cameras – and the Northgate Arena does not qualify.
Hawkins said: “The new facility will be suitable for TV, it will support our plans to expand the club, speeding up our plans to introduce a disability sports programme and it is what the fans deserve.
“We have one of the best followings in the BBL and they deserve a home that reflects that.”
As well as housing the Jets and operating as a leisure centre, the venue would also be capable of hosting Great Britain and England basketball games and could become the new home of the North West Super League netball franchise, Northern Thunder, with British Gymnastics also expressing early interest in the project.
A statement from the council this week confirmed: “A strategic review of all leisure facilities in the borough – council-owned and private – has placed Ellesmere Port at the very top of a priority action list.
“If members of the Cheshire West and Chester Executive approve recommendations in a report from Charlie Seward, director of regeneration and culture, Ellesmere Port could have a replacement for its ageing EPIC centre by the end of 2013.
“It is proposed that the centre would have a minimum 12-court sports hall with the potential to cater for Cheshire Jets and other club events including competitions with circa 1,500 bleacher seating.”
