Plan for sports hub at former school site approved

Work on the project in Holbeck, Leeds, is expected to start in 2025

Plans to build a sports hub on a former school site in Leeds have been approved.

The development on land in Holbeck once occupied by Matthew Murray High School was given the go-ahead at a Leeds City Council meeting on Thursday.

Work on the project is expected to start in 2025, with the scheme also including a GP surgery, pharmacy, children's play area and a 267-space car park.

The sports hub features three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas, changing rooms, a gym and a café.

Councillor Salma Arif called it a "key milestone" which would benefit many residents in south Leeds.

“Its facilities will be affordable and accessible for all, providing more opportunities for the kind of physical activity and exercise that has really important health benefits," said Ms Arif, the council's executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture.

“It will also have a positive social impact by bringing people together, whether that’s through participating in sport or simply spending time in its attractive outdoor spaces."

Funding for the scheme would be provided from a range of sources, the local authority said, with the bulk coming via external grant support.

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