Hoyland's new £4m sports ground and community centre readies for action
A NEW sports ground and community centre is being prepared for opening following an investment of more than £4m.
The Forge Parkside Centre in Hoyland will create a new venue for sports and other community activities.
It has been created on a site off Parkside Road and has brought in support of £1.5m from the Premier League, FA and the Football Foundation, in addition to cash from other sources.
It will be operated by a new organisation called The Forge Parkside Centre and is intended to provide facilities for all age groups. Minister for Sport and Barnsley South MP, Stephanie Peacock, has visited, alongside councillors from the area, for a preview visit ahead of its opening.
A key element of the development is one of the largest artificial turf football pitches in the country – making the site suitable for year round matches, training and other activities.
Other space on site will be used for archery and other sports, with a new community centre alongside, to provide changing rooms, a cafe and function rooms.
That is expected to offer social activities health programmes and activities for younger people.
It is anticipated there will also be volunteering opportunities.
Cllr James Higginbottom, Barnsley Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: “The new Parkside Centre will provide a fantastic range of opportunities for people to enjoy sport, recreation and community life.
“I want to thank the Football Foundation and all partner organisations who have helped make this project a reality. This investment will benefit the Hoyland Common community and people across Barnsley for many years to come.”
Stephanie Peacock, said: “Sport has a unique power to bring communities together and the new £4.1 million investment in Forge Parkside Centre will improve access to grassroots sports.
“A brilliant new pitch and community centre will provide a safe, high-quality space where people can come together and stay active.”
Robert Sullivan, Football Foundation chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that the local community in Barnsley will soon be able to enjoy all these benefits.
“We know the impact these resources will have on the community, helping us to achieve our aim of ensuring that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live in the country, has access to a great place to play.”