Melbourne Park Athletics Centre is changing its name in a high-profile launch planned for Saturday 29 April. The site is home to Chelmsford City FC and Chelmsford Athletic Club and provides training facilities for top local athletes, including Dean Macey and Julie Pratt - who also coaches there. It will now be known as Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre, putting the town on the map as a sporting centre of excellence. 31 March 2006 1966 England World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst will be launching the new Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, returning to the town where his father played for Chelmsford City FC. The venue recently became the home of Chelmsford City FC, which had been playing outside the borough for the past eight years. Chelmsford Borough Council made the move possible through significant investment in the facilities. These include a new pitch inside the perimeter of the athletics track, a 1,000 seat stand together with new toilets, turnstiles and catering units. Chelmsford City FC met the costs of changing and social facilities within a new clubhouse. Since 2002 the centre has been transformed into a major sporting venue for the local community and athletes throughout the Eastern region. It was selected by UK Athletics - The National Governing Body for athletics in the UK - as one of just 15 Aqua-Pura Women and Girls Athletics Centres. It also runs initiative such as the Norwich Union Star Track Athletics. "This sports and athletics centre is already a major community facility in the region so it is fitting that it should change its name and really put Chelmsford on the map," said Sir Geoff. "I have an affinity with Chelmsford and spent some of my early youth there so it will be a real pleasure to return. I also take a keen interest in grass roots football so am always pleased to see good quality local facilities being developed." Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community, Councillor Maureen Moulds added: "Chelmsford Borough Council worked in partnership with many other bodies to make this centre a reality. It is a true community facility enjoyed by young and old from the borough and beyond." The launch day on Saturday 29 April will include free events and inter-school competitions and the chance for children and young people to try new sporting activities. A full programme for the day will be announced in the next fortnight. PR063481
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