What's Happening?
Jersey students have expressed enthusiasm for the newly opened sports facilities at the Oakfield Centre, which cost £8 million to develop. These facilities, located adjacent to Highlands and Hautlieu colleges,
were officially opened on Thursday and are managed by Active. They offer a variety of sports amenities, including a 3G pitch, martial arts studios, and a purpose-built gymnastics hall. The new center replaces the Fort Regent centre, which previously hosted many of these activities. Students like Leah and Susannah from Highlands College have praised the range of equipment available, noting that it provides more opportunities for young women to engage in sports. Oscar and Adam, also students at Highlands, have been using the facilities to coach each other, highlighting the convenience of the location for morning workouts before classes.
Why It's Important?
The opening of the Oakfield Centre is significant as it provides modern and accessible sports facilities for students and the local community, promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. The center's proximity to educational institutions encourages students to incorporate fitness into their daily routines, potentially fostering lifelong healthy habits. Additionally, the new facilities address the gap left by the closure of the Fort Regent centre, ensuring that sports activities continue to have a dedicated space. This development is crucial for maintaining community engagement in sports and supporting local sports clubs, which have expressed concerns about access to facilities following the closure of Fort Regent.
What's Next?
The government has committed to working with sports clubs to ensure they have the necessary access to the Oakfield Centre. This collaboration is essential to accommodate the various groups displaced by the closure of Fort Regent. The success of this initiative will depend on effective scheduling and management of the facilities to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Continued dialogue between the government, Active, and the sports clubs will be vital in optimizing the use of the new center and ensuring it serves the community effectively.
