Plans for the Marsh in Weymouth are one step closer to becoming a reality after a substantial amount of money was secured for new facilities.

Chairman of Friends of the Marsh, Councillor Mike Byatt, told the Echo a total of £105,000 has been granted by the borough council to further plans for the site, which include a new boxing club being developed.

Cllr Byatt said: “As part of my work with the friends I have been pushing for additional resources.

“In addition, the boxing club informed us about their funding shortfall, so I bundled together a bid to the council for additional funding for both the boxing club and other facilities to be developed on the Marsh.”

“I can confirm I have secured £105,000 which includes an additional £30,000 for the boxing club, as well as funding for a green gym and to help improve the basketball area.

“This is brilliant news. I hope now this will help the boxing club to secure additional funds to finally get the new clubhouse built.”

David Nelmes, President of Weymouth Boxing Club, welcomed the grant. He said: “It’s outstanding. We didn’t expect it. We’re one step closer to our goal.”

The boxing club has been tasked with raising around £342,000 to build its new clubhouse on the Marsh.

So far, the club has raised £295,000 but is facing a shortfall of £47,000.

The £30,000 granted by the borough council will mean around £17,000 still needs to be raised.

In a bid to raise the remaining money the boxing club has launched a new sponsorship campaign.

It is inviting members of the public to sponsor a plaque for £50 which will be included in the new building when it is developed.

The club’s committee met at the Marsh playing fields last week as part of the launch.

Among those attending were Cllr Pam Nixon and Cllr Byatt.

Cllr Nixon told the Echo: “They have been working hard for years raising funds in various ways and this is yet another idea.”

Former Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Jess Nagel, also attended the launch and said she has been encouraging people to sponsor a plaque.

She said: “I take my hat off to David Nelmes he has taken so many boys off the street and they have become good citizens afterwards. I am sure the public will rise to the occasion in our last spurt to raise the remaining money.”

Stuart Riddle, senior manager in children’s services at Dorset County Council attended the launch and said: “Weymouth and Portland Amateur Boxing Club is a great facility for young people and a great outlet for them.”

Dorset County Council is able to help fund projects such as the boxing club, which make a difference to young people’s lives, up to £10,000, however, it must raise 25 per cent of their targets before they will be considered eligible for council funding. The amount of money the council contributes depends on where the project is based or if there are fewer existing places to go, things to do or opportunities for social action.

Mr Nelmes is confident that with the sponsorship money and funding matched by Dorset County Council will enable the new clubhouse to be built.