Work begins on community sports centre
The Parkside Centre in will open in Hoyland Common next year
- Published
Construction work has got under way on a sports facility featuring an all-weather football pitch in Barnsley.
The Parkside Centre in Hoyland Common will replace the former Rockingham sports ground, which councillors were told was no longer fit for purpose.
More than £4m is being spent on the centre, which should be ready in time for the football season starting in 2025.
Councillor James Higginbottom said the project was "another great example of our investment in our local communities".
The Parkside Centre will replace the former Rockingham sports ground
The Rockingham sports ground will be moved to a new purpose-built site 900m away.
In approving the scheme last November, councillors were told that Rockingham sports ground was "outdated and outgrown".
The project has seen a financial contribution from the developer of a nearby Evri distribution centre, under what is known as Section 106 funding.
Some residents had opposed the development, saying it would spoil one of the few remaining green spaces in the area, which was known as Parkside Rec.
The council received several objections, with residents raising concerns over an increase in traffic, as well as light and noise pollution.
Some residents had argued the plan would spoil one of the few remaining green spaces in the area
The new centre is being created in collaboration with the Forge Community Partnership and the Football Foundation.
The site will include a 3G football pitch, cafe, fitness suites and archery range, as well as function rooms.
The football pitch will be the first element to be built.
Mr Higginbottom, environment and highways spokesman at Barnsley Council, said the centre would improve facilities available "for residents to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle".
He said: “With both recreational and social spaces, we hope that the new centre will be a real hub in the local area, with the new 3G football pitch being the start of a wealth of benefits to the community.
“I’d like to thank residents in advance for their patience and co-operation while the work takes place, and I hope they enjoy using the new centre once it is complete.”
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