As countdown begins for opening of new centre, council reveals grand plans for 2012

CROSBY’S £10m Lakeside Adventure Centre has been put forward by Sefton Council as a possible venue for the 2012 London Olympics.

The building – formerly known as Sefton Water Sports Centre – is back on track to open to community groups next month, before being opened to the wider public early next year.

It follows months of legal wrangling as the council prepared to operate the venue itself, following disagreements with the original operator.

The centre has been designed to cater fully for both disabled and able-bodied users.

Sefton Council bosses believe the eco-friendly facility will become a centre of excellence for watersports across the North West and are set to register the venue for the 2012 Paralympics.

It will also be touted as a possible base for the Olympics, although Weymouth is currently the favourite to stage all sailing contests at the event.

Sefton Leisure Services director Graham Bayliss said: “It is a community resource for everyone, but it particularly takes into account the needs of adults and children with disabilities.

“This is one of the only centres, if not the only centre, in the country that’s designed to allow disabled people to use it..

“It will be a fantastic facility for Sefton, Merseyside and the people of Crosby.”