Progress as work can now begin on much-anticipated new Southlands Centre
Work can now begin on the much-anticipated new Southlands Centre in Middlesbrough.
The Council’s Executive will next week be asked to vote on finalising a lease agreement with the Middlesbrough FC Foundation, which will see the charity relocate its HQ and run the new site. The Ormesby Road scheme was given the green light by members of the Council’s planning committee in September, but its decision needed a final rubber stamp from government. Middlesbrough Council then received confirmation from Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, that it can go ahead after technical issues relating to site layout were resolved.
Middlesbrough FC Foundation intend to relocate staff from its current Riverside Stadium HQ to the brand-new centre in an exciting move which will feature upgraded sports facilities and a top-class community facility, providing a big boost to East Middlesbrough.
A tender process to appoint a contractor for the project is now underway, with hopes that work on site could begin early in the new year.
A spokesperson for the Foundation said: "We’re delighted with the news that the planning permission for the Southlands Centre has been approved.
“We will be continuing to work closely with Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new centre for East Middlesbrough to support the local community and progress the funding requirements needed for the project."
The development's first phase will see the construction of a new hub to be operated by the Foundation.
The current 3G and grass football pitches will be upgraded, and open space provided to support additional physical activities.
A second phase of the scheme could see further extensions and improvements to the site.
Mayor Chris Cooke is delighted to see the project finally moving forward.
He said: "I can't wait to see spades in the ground at the new Southlands Centre - it's going to be transformative for East Middlesbrough and a facility that the entire town will benefit from.
"The MFC Foundation is the perfect partner and I am looking forward to working with them on what is an exciting and ambitious project.
"It will help our residents improve their physical and mental health, which is one of my key priorities for Middlesbrough."
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Development, said: “Football is incredibly important to so many people in our town, so it’s a real boost for East Middlesbrough that the Middlesbrough FC Foundation will be moving to the new Southlands site.
“I know that this type of top-class facility will have a huge impact and help to inspire the next generation to live healthy, active lives."
The revamped Southlands will host football, other sports and physical activity with grassroots clubs and community organisations using the site. Inside the hub community rooms, a classroom, a meeting room and a social area will host training workshops, employability courses, education, mentoring and social sessions.
Currently, the Foundation engages with 38,000 people a year across the region, of all ages and backgrounds.
It raises aspirations, helps to realise potential and improve life chances working with people aged from two to 102 - from physical activity sessions for young children to supporting people living with Dementia in Care Homes.
Work can now begin on the much-anticipated new Southlands Centre in Middlesbrough.
The Council’s Executive will next week be asked to vote on finalising a lease agreement with the Middlesbrough FC Foundation, which will see the charity relocate its HQ and run the new site. The Ormesby Road scheme was given the green light by members of the Council’s planning committee in September, but its decision needed a final rubber stamp from government. Middlesbrough Council then received confirmation from Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, that it can go ahead after technical issues relating to site layout were resolved.
Middlesbrough FC Foundation intend to relocate staff from its current Riverside Stadium HQ to the brand-new centre in an exciting move which will feature upgraded sports facilities and a top-class community facility, providing a big boost to East Middlesbrough.
A tender process to appoint a contractor for the project is now underway, with hopes that work on site could begin early in the new year.
A spokesperson for the Foundation said: "We’re delighted with the news that the planning permission for the Southlands Centre has been approved.
“We will be continuing to work closely with Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new centre for East Middlesbrough to support the local community and progress the funding requirements needed for the project."
The development's first phase will see the construction of a new hub to be operated by the Foundation.
The current 3G and grass football pitches will be upgraded, and open space provided to support additional physical activities.
A second phase of the scheme could see further extensions and improvements to the site.
Mayor Chris Cooke is delighted to see the project finally moving forward.
He said: "I can't wait to see spades in the ground at the new Southlands Centre - it's going to be transformative for East Middlesbrough and a facility that the entire town will benefit from.
"The MFC Foundation is the perfect partner and I am looking forward to working with them on what is an exciting and ambitious project.
"It will help our residents improve their physical and mental health, which is one of my key priorities for Middlesbrough."
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Development, said: “Football is incredibly important to so many people in our town, so it’s a real boost for East Middlesbrough that the Middlesbrough FC Foundation will be moving to the new Southlands site.
“I know that this type of top-class facility will have a huge impact and help to inspire the next generation to live healthy, active lives."
The revamped Southlands will host football, other sports and physical activity with grassroots clubs and community organisations using the site. Inside the hub community rooms, a classroom, a meeting room and a social area will host training workshops, employability courses, education, mentoring and social sessions.
Currently, the Foundation engages with 38,000 people a year across the region, of all ages and backgrounds.
It raises aspirations, helps to realise potential and improve life chances working with people aged from two to 102 - from physical activity sessions for young children to supporting people living with Dementia in Care Homes.
