Coventry could be getting a new gymnastics and trampoline club if plans to change the use of a building are given the green light. The Coventry Trampolining and Gymnastics Academy (CTGA) is seeking permission to run the club from an industrial estate in Tile Hill.
A planning statement submitted as part of the application claims there would be ‘numerous benefits’ and the move could even create jobs. More than 100 children are currently signed up as members of the CTGA and they range in age from 18 months to 18 years.
One member is recognised as the best DMT gymnast for his age, which head coach Karen Johnston, who wrote the planning statement, said is a ‘huge achievement’.
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“Not only does CTGA provide a healthy and positive lifestyle for young people, but we also offer clubs, support a healthy lifestyle and positive choices,” she said. “We are also the only club in Coventry to offer multiple disciplines which include trampolining, gymnastics, double mini trampoline (DMT) and tumbling, all with SEN-specific classes.”
It’s hoped that with new premises, CTGA will be able to provide Fun4Baby classes with sessions aimed at infants up to 18 months old. Parent and toddler sessions and a junior programme are already well established.
A new premises would also enable the academy to expand its offering for children with SEN.
Miss Johnston said: “Unfortunately in our current premises we are unable to accommodate more than two SEN young people per session. We feel that the facility would enable young people access to quality and affordable physical activity.
"Therefore having a positive impact on their mental and physical well-being. The new facility is within a five-minute walk of Hereward College, a college for young people with disabilities and additional needs.
"We have in the past worked with several SEN schools including Sherbourne Fields and with a larger facility we would be able to accommodate small groups.”
Regarding employment, the planning statement reveals that the academy currently has a team of nine coaching staff, of which three are seasonal. With a new facility they would be looking at employing ‘at least’ five additional coaching staff, as well as launching an apprenticeship scheme.
They would also require a new receptionist. The site CTGA hopes to expand to is in Binns Close, just off Torrington Avenue.
It’s a mixed use area with business, retail and offices nearby, and is out of the city centre, although, as the planning statement points out, it is well served by buses and trains and comes with a private car park.
Appealing to the council, Miss Johnston said in the statement: “I kindly request your support in making this endeavour a reality. I urge the council to consider helping to establish a gymnastics and trampolining club in our community.
"The positive impact it would have on residents, particularly on children and youth, cannot be overstated. I am confident that with your support, we can create a vibrant and inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can develop their skills, lead healthy lives and foster a sense of community.”
The application is pending consideration and a decision will be made by a planning officer in due course. For more information, search the application reference number PL/2023/0001140/FUL on the Coventry City Council planning portal.
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