What will the facility include?

The proposed sports hub will include a full size floodlit artificial grass pitch (AGP), two full size grass pitches for football and a new Clubhouse building which includes changing rooms, a multi-functional community space with kitchen and bar, and an office. The children’s play area will remain an integral part of the site and the existing Pavilion will be refurbished to provide improved changing rooms, a classroom and office. Access will be improved and new car parking provided.

   

What are the aims of the project?

The aims of the sports hub are to increase participation in sport, improve health and wellbeing in the borough and create new opportunities for education and employment. It will provide a new community facility for local clubs and organisations to host a wide range of activities and events. King George V playing fields is currently underused and in desperate need of investment. These proposals will breathe new life into the area, deliver improved facilities for grassroots sport and see thousands of people accessing the site each week.

 

Where is the money coming from?

We have been successful in gaining support from Cheshire West & Chester Council, national sports governing bodies and funding partners. In addition the Community Trust is running a fundraising campaign to supplement the funds already secured. We will also be seeking support in kind from those who can contribute time or skills.

 

Who will operate the site?

Chester FC Community Trust will manage and run the sports hub by way of a long-term lease from Cheshire West & Chester Council. The Community Trust is a registered charity and will relocate to be based at the site full-time.

 

When will it open?

The scheme will be developed in phases and it is anticipated work will commence in late 2020 with the facilities available to the community in 2021.

 

How will it benefit local residents?

The project will improve the appearance of the site, ensure it remains accessible to the public at all times, create fantastic new sports facilities for local clubs and leagues, increase opportunities to participate in sport and recreation in Blacon, provide new buildings available for community use and be staffed full-time to make the site more secure and visible.

 

How can I book the facility?

The Community Trust will manage bookings and requests can be emailed to community@chesterfc.com. Partner clubs and leagues have been identified through Cheshire FA and will be given priority.

 

Who are the key partners?

The key partners in the project are Cheshire West & Chester Council, Chester FC Community Trust, Cheshire FA and national governing bodies and funding agencies. There are a number of partner clubs and leagues who will be using the site as well as other stakeholders, who have already been identified and engaged in the project, and the Community Trust will continue to ensure project partners are fully engaged as the scheme progresses.

 

When and how can residents find out more and give feedback?

The views of local residents are hugely important and the Community Trust is keen to gather feedback and give people a chance to ask questions. You can also email community@chesterfc.com or call 01244 371376 to share your views.

 

Will Chester FC’s first team be using this facility?

Peak time (evenings and weekends) access to the sports hub will be prioritised for the community with the facilities available to partner clubs and leagues, grassroots teams and individual or group bookings. During the daytime, the Community Trust will be based at the site and deliver a range of initiatives, including a BTEC education programme for 16-18-year-olds, disability sport sessions and activities for older people. The first team may also hire the facilities for training, however the site will remain fully open to the public at all times with the local community welcome to watch these sessions.

 

How can I join in with football if I am not part of a team?

You can email community@chesterfc.com or call 01244 371376 and the Community Trust will provide contact details for clubs in the local area. The Community Trust will be running a wide range of activities running from the site ensuring people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to participate.

 

How much will it cost to use the facilities?

The Community Trust is finalising the pricing structure for the site and this will be announced shortly. Prices will be in line with similar facilities and based on guidance from Cheshire FA.

 

How will you give priority to clubs if one club is interested in hiring the facility?

The Community Trust will work with Cheshire FA and local clubs and leagues to accommodate as many as possible at the site. It is envisaged the creation of the sports hub will ease the pressure on other facilities in the area.

 

Will priority be given to local residents?

Discounts will be available to Blacon residents who wish to hire the community buildings.

 

How do we report an issue?

The Community Trust will appoint a facilities manager for the site. In the meantime, you can email community@chesterfc.com or call 01244 371376 to report any issues.

 

What activities will be available for children?

Creating new opportunities for children to play sport and be active is central to the project. There will be a huge variety of activities on offer throughout the year including football, rugby and multi-sport programmes, holiday clubs and turn up and play sessions. The community buildings will be available for toddler groups, dance classes and exercise groups.

 

Will there be activities for the over 60s?
The sports hub will host a range of activities for older people including walking football, Sporting Memories cafes and seated exercise groups. The community buildings will be available for clubs and groups to hire.