Controversial sports hub set to open by early 2025

The project was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic

A new sports facility is expected to be completed within a year, despite opposition from residents.

The community-owned project would include current facilities on Blackbridge field in Podsmead, Gloucester, as well as walking and running routes, a children's play area and a new building with a gym, meeting space and bar.

Mark Gale, director of the Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society, said he expected the "fantastic" site to open to the community by early 2025.

Gloucester City Council's cabinet will consider objections to the plan later, but officers have recommended the project continues.

More than 600 residents signed a petition against the development

More than 600 residents signed a petition against it, with objections including concerns about access via Laburnum Road.

Jayne Hannis, who has lived in the area since 1988, said: "I don't see why an estate as small as us should have the traffic coming through it.

"We'd like to see the road accessed through a different route."

But Mr Gale said, while it was "really important to hear everyone's voices", the current option was more environmentally-friendly than others proposed.

This is because extra tarmac is not needed and a mature tree line does not need to be cut, he said.

'Once in a lifetime'

"It will combine local youth provision and sports facilities and a whole range of community and family support services in a community where local provision has been wholly inadequate for a long time.

"It's really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this community to get a really fantastic facility," Mr Gale continued.

Podsmead is within one of the most health-deprived areas nationally for people aged 16–64, according to government data from 2019.