Delayed plans to transform dated sports facilities at Woodhall Playing Fields into a ‘Parklife’ community sports hub are set for final approval – three years after receiving full planning permission.
Senior councillors in Leeds are set to give a final green light next week to a £23.9million investment in two new sports hubs in the city.
At the meeting of the council’s executive board at Civic Hall on Wednesday 16 July, councillors are expected to approve work starting on new sports pitches and supporting pavilion facilities at Woodhall in Calverley and Green Park in Temple Newsam.
The plans for the sites were first submitted five years ago and have been developed by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Football Foundation as part of their national Parklife (Sports Hubs) programme. It aims to increase the number of third generation artificial grass pitches in the country.
At each site, three new full-sized pitches with floodlighting will be created for football and rugby use along with other play areas, biodiversity habitats, landscaping and parking.
Both sites will also feature a new sports pavilion building providing a café and meeting space together with ancillary features such as toilets and changing rooms, including Changing Places toilet facilities.
The plans have been refined and developed following consultation with the public, local sports clubs, disability groups and local councillors, with changes made to accommodate feedback received.
If approved, work would begin at Woodhall in August to be completed in a year with the new facilities open the end of August 2026.
Once opened the hubs will be managed by the National Football Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, with all surplus income generated to be reinvested in outdoor sports facilities across Leeds.
Leeds City Council executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture Councillor Salma Arif said: “These new facilities look fantastic and this project represents a significant investment in helping encourage people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles.
“Not only will they offer superb new sports facilities, these hubs will become focal points for entire communities to make use of and enjoy, so we look forward to seeing them created and open next year.
“We are delighted to be working with the Football Foundation, National Football Trust and all partners and stakeholders in making this wonderful project a reality.”
The report to be considered by councillors can be read in full here.