GRAND plans for a £670,000 sports activity centre to ‘bring the River Tone alive’ in Taunton were set to be inspected by a rowing legend.

Backers of the proposed Centre for Outdoor Activities and Community Hub (COACH) were preparing to welcome Olympic rower James Cracknell to the town in March 2014.

He would meet various groups in visits to Firepool and French Weir Park.

The COACH vision, which has since become a reality, was for a purpose-built facility where the toilet block was, next to the footbridge, at the park.

Its aim was to provide people of all ages access to a centre promoting ‘sport, activity, education and community values’.

The design of the building was described as- ‘iconic, green and functional’.

Before his visit, James told the County Gazette: “I am really looking forward to coming to Taunton and taking to the water in support of this project.

"This is exactly the kind of facility we need to offer our young people.

“It’s encouraging a healthy lifestyle and it will bring all the benefits that come with water sports and other sporting activities and I can certainly speak from experience.”

COACH chairman Ian Payne said: “The project will bring the river alive. It’s in the heart of the town and would make the river a much more attractive place.

“The COACH charity supports people to pursue an active lifestyle for life, introducing, encouraging and enabling a wide spectrum of ages, abilities and interests to become a part of the vision.

"We are in advanced discussions with funding bodies and we are hopeful of getting a significant amount towards the project.”

Mr Payne, also a teacher a Taunton School, said the charity was inclusive, with potential users not excluded on cost or access grounds.

The project had the backing of nearby park friends groups as well as others including Somerset College, Taunton Deane Council, Taunton Rowing Club and Taunton Adventurous Sports and Canoe Club.

Mr Payne added: “The London Olympic Games inspired not one, but several generations to do the things they had always wanted to do but the legacy should be lifelong and so needs a permanent home.”