Southlands Centre deal set for council sign-off
Work is expected to begin soon on the redevelopment of the facility into a community sports hub, which will be operated by the Middlesbrough FC Foundation on a 25-year lease.
The Ormesby Road development was given planning permission in September, pending a rubber-stamp from central government, which has now been given.
This week, Middlesbrough Council’s executive will be asked to vote on finalising a lease agreement with Boro’s foundation. The deal would see the charity relocate its headquarters to the new site from the Riverside Stadium.
The centre will, in the words of Middlesbrough Council “feature upgraded sports facilities and a top-class community facility, providing a big boost to East Middlesbrough”.
A tender process to appoint a contractor for the project is now under way, with hopes that work on site could begin early in the new year.
A report prepared for executive members outlined how a lease with Boro makes sense in a risks and liabilities sense.
Officers said: “The Council could choose to manage the new facilities at the Southlands in house, or through a competitive tender exercise seek an alternative operational management organisation.
“It is felt that no other external organisation and/or the Council itself could offer the trusted brand, and sustainable management structure that would rival that offered by Middlesbrough FC Foundation.”
Boro’s foundation is well established, engaging with 38,000 people a year, 17,000 of these at a similar centre in South Bank – a number the council expects to be matched at Southlands.
A spokesperson for the Foundation said: “We will be continuing to work closely with Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new centre for East Middlesbrough to support the local community and progress the funding requirements needed for the project.”
The development’s first phase will see the construction of a new hub to be operated by the Foundation.
The current 3G and grass football pitches will be upgraded, and open space provided to support additional physical activities.
A second phase of the scheme could see further extensions and improvements to the site.
Mayor Chris Cooke said: “I can’t wait to see spades in the ground at the new Southlands Centre – it’s going to be transformative for East Middlesbrough and a facility that the entire town will benefit from.
“The MFC Foundation is the perfect partner and I am looking forward to working with them on what is an exciting and ambitious project.
“It will help our residents improve their physical and mental health, which is one of my key priorities for Middlesbrough.”
The revamped Southlands, a 14.7-acre site, will host football, other sports and physical activity with grassroots clubs and community organisations using the site.
Inside the hub, community rooms, a classroom, a meeting room and a social area will host training workshops, employability courses, education, mentoring and social sessions.
Documents relating to the planning consent given in September can be found on Middlesbrough Council’s website with the reference 24/0226/MAJ.
