A COMMUNITY bid to create a healthy living centre - the first of its kind in Newport - is ready to move to the next important stages.

St Julians Community Healthy Living Association's proposals come before the city's planners next week.

Then an application for a grant of £983,000 to the Assembly's community facilities and activities programme will be made by June.

The centre, which will be based in the grounds of St Julians School in Heather Road, has a lot of local support.

"It will be very much a community facility," said assistant head Graham Barker.

"We are hoping to tackle anti-social behaviour by giving children activities during the evening and improve local facilities and opportunities."

The centre could help the fight against obesity as well as promote health and well-being. Users will range from children to the over-60s.

Phase one of the scheme would include a sports hall with changing facilities, and a community room.

The second phase, for a fitness suite, will require additional funding.

Mr Barker said it could take up to six months for the funding application to be approved.

But many organisations are already showing an interest in using the centre for activities including basketball, rugby, and street dancing.

Newport Local Health Board are also working in partnership with the association and are interested in basing a number of projects there such as smoking cessation, family obesity and prevention, and GP exercise referral.

It is intended that the centre will be used by people of all ages from children to the over-60s.

Mr Barker said there were a range of sponsorship opportunities beginning at just £10 for Friends of the Healthy Living Centre.

A community meeting about the centre is being held next Tuesday from 4.30pm-7pm in the school's learning resource centre.

  • Organisations interested in using the centre or anyone who wants to know more about sponsorship should contact Mr Barker at St Julians School 01633 224490.