Plans for the construction of a new £1.5m fitness, squash and boxing complex on the site of a former snooker and squash venue in Lewsey Park, Luton, have been given the green light.

Active Luton has successfully secured a loan from Co-operative Bank to help fund the work after Luton Borough Council (LBC) agreed to act as guarantor. Createability has been named as development partner. Construction work is expected to start within the next couple of weeks, with Lewsey Boxing Club to use the facility as its permanent base.

The Amateur Boxing Association is also contributing £100,000 towards the scheme, which will help address a lack of accessible facilities in the area as revealed in a feasibility study. Active Luton - the organisation which operates facilities on behalf of LBC - will ensure that the new centre is accessible through memberships and pay-as-you-go options.

"This is an important development for the Lewsey area which has been on the wrong side of participation and health statistics for a long time," said Active Luton chief executive Helen Barnett. Image: Piotr Sikora/shutterstock.com