Robertson Construction Group in partnership with Newcastle City Council has started construction work on two new multi-million-pound community hubs in Newcastle following an investment of over £9.5m from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.
The two new Hubs will be home to state-of-the-art facilities at Blakelaw Park and Bullocksteads Sports Ground. Combined, the sites will serve thousands of children, young people, adults and elderly residents from across the North-East of England.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "It's fantastic that works on these brand new facilities have started. These facilities will undoubtedly provide a boost for grassroots sport in the North-East. Funding from the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England, is playing a vital role in making the project a reality.
"These facilities not only act as excellent physical and social outlets for communities but also provide new jobs – during construction and in the years to come, with people needed to support sites in delivering safe and positive environments for any user."
At Blakelaw Park, the works will include installation of two new small-sided 3G Football Turf Pitches (FTPs) and a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), alongside the replacement of an existing full-size 3G FTP. A new two-storey pavilion will house new changing rooms, a community cafe and education room alongside a 60-station fitness suite with studio. The site improvements will also include additional parking and a new children's play area.
The works at Bullocksteads Sports Ground will comprise of two new floodlit 3G FTPs alongside a new two-storey pavilion with changing rooms for six teams and two officials, a community café, and meeting space. The first floor will feature a health and fitness club with a 70-station gym, spin studio, and multi-purpose studio. The site will boast seven grass pitches (including one rugby), additional parking, and a children's adventure play area.
The sites will be operated by the charity Leisure United which will ensure all surplus income re-invested back into grassroots football in the City to help make the game more sustainable.
Warren Ormerod, Managing Director of Leisure United, said: "This is just the start of great things for people living around the two new hub sites in Newcastle''.
''Leisure United is where football, fitness and friendship happens in first class sporting and leisure facilities. Our established hubs are not only football centres, but places where people come together as communities, to support each other in living happier, healthier, longer lives. We're looking forward to kicking off a brighter future for everyone involved."
Both facilities are due to open in early 2023.
