A TAUNTON sporting charity is hoping to make waves of support in the run up to its new facility opening.

The Centre for Outdoor Activity and Community Hub (COACH) started building its new water sports and leisure facility at French Weir Park in October last year after the idea for an inclusive educational and sporting centre was created in May 2011.

The trustees are now looking to find the £23,000 needed to complete the project, alongside the £891,000 already raised by the charity. They are also seeking more people to become trustees, as well as advice and volunteers.

The centre is now near completion but is in need of one last push to ensure it is finished to the best it can be. The soft launch of the facilities will next month while the official opening will take place in May 2017.

Somerset County Gazette:

One of the trustees, Dave Bullock, said: “After over 5 years of trying to make this facility happen, it’s so rewarding to see the project nearly completed.

"COACH will be an outstanding facility to bring the community together.

"It includes a café to meet and socialise, community rooms and storage, a youth club, an education centre and a home to at least five sports clubs - all in the heart of Taunton."

The facilities include: changing rooms, fully accessible disabled toilets, a large meeting room, a small meeting room, an outside storage boat house, an indoor 'outdoor' classroom and newly built steps to access the river.

The café, named The Bathing Station, has been licensed to the same business that runs The Shed in Goodland Gardens. The name is inspired by what the site was previously used as when the river was lined with diving boards and people lounging in the sun.

The hub can be used by a variety of groups and clubs across Somerset. Schools and colleges will be able to use the facilities as well as other community clubs as there is a large upstairs space.

Existing clubs Taunton Rowing Club, Taunton Adventurous Sports and Canoe Club, Taunton Bike Club, Taunton Orienteers and Running Forever already plan to make use of the facilities. The trustees are also looking to create a wild swimming club at the centre.

The equipment store is made from expandable foam that looks like wood, but will prevent flooding at the facility.

The charity has so far benefitted from funding from a myriad of sources including The Big Lottery Fund, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Canoe England and Bishop Foxes Educational Trust.

To support the project visit: http://sasp.podiumpartners.org/campaign/99-help-us-bring-to-life-the-coach-community-project.