A glimpse in to the future at Moss Farm

10:30am Thursday 28th February 2008

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ACTIVE people will be asked what they think of a masterplan for Moss Farm.

A complete overhaul of the Northwich sports complex could cost more than £10million but work will now not include a new stadium for Witton Albion.

They pulled out of a switch from Wincham last month.

"We want to refine the plan," said Chris Bottomley, head of leisure for Vale Royal Borough Council, which co-manages the site with Cheshire County Council.

"And to do that we need to show the drawings to as many people as possible to get their comments.

"Some changes may be made based on those views before a final plan is ready."

He must report back to members of Hartford Moss Farm Joint Management Committee in June. Before then sports clubs and site users will be able to look at a site plan in the swimming pool reception.

The council also plans to hold a public meeting to answer questions on the project after spending £6,000 on sketches for the site drawn up by consultants CB3 Design.

The Guardian has seen a draft, which includes a new, purpose built clubhouse and improvements to Northwich Rugby Club's first team pitch.

At this stage the borough council cannot say how much a new social club would cost, nor has it committed any cash to spend on capital projects at Moss Farm before local government reorganisation in 2009.

The bulk of funding would need to come from external sources.

The rugby club believe they should be at the centre of any future development after Witton ruled out a move.

Chairman Sam Naylor last month said a new clubhouse should be run by Northwich and not the council.

"That's the intention and I hope that's what is going to happen," he said.