Following a unanimous vote in cabinet, Cheltenham Borough Council confirmed its support for the new Petersfield Community and Sports Hub.
Following a unanimous vote in cabinet, Cheltenham Borough Council confirmed its support for the new Petersfield Community and Sports Hub, a pivotal development set to strengthen community bonds and enhance wellbeing within the St Peters and the Moors area that is being led by Petersfield Partnership CIO.
The proposed Petersfield Hub will be located at the current Saracens FC football ground in the Moors estate, replacing the existing temporary clubhouse facilities which are currently housed in two shipping containers to the north of the pitch. This substantial upgrade is a key component of a wider overarching strategy to uplift and support the local community.
The site, owned by Cheltenham Borough Council, is currently leased to Saracens FC, who have 22 years remaining on their 25-year lease for the ground and the land where the new hub will be constructed.
Cheltenham Borough Council intends to allocate grant funding from the Local Trust, as part of the Big Local Project, directly towards the construction of the Petersfield Hub.
This investment will deliver several positive impacts anticipated from the hub, particularly its crucial role in supporting local children and young people, individuals with disabilities, and residents within low-income communities. As 42% of the residents in the area are aged 25 and under, this will grant the community access to new services and a renovated location to meet at.
The new Petersfield Hub is designed with clear and ambitious aims to benefit the community:
- New long-term community facilities will be secured for local residents, providing a lasting resource for generations to come.
- Long-term income generated by the hub will be directly reinvested to benefit the local community.
- The hub will contribute to the improved wellbeing of local residents by offering accessible facilities and programmes.
- It will help cultivate a safer community environment, providing a positive focal point for activities.
Councillor Peter Jeffries, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and assets, at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “The Petersfield Community and Sports Hub isn’t just a building, it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work directly in our residents. It will be a vital hub for our young people, a place of inclusion for those with disabilities, and a cornerstone for families in low-income areas.
“I’m truly excited to see the positive impact this hub will have in fostering wellbeing, local pride, and a more connected St Peters and Moors for years to come.”
Graham Roberts from Petersfield Partnership CIO said: “This is a really important project for St Peters and the Moors. For so long, local residents have not had their own community space, and this has held the area back. The new hub will provide the space for community, social and sporting activities and by directing income back into the community, the hub will support the area with continued investment.
“We are particularly excited about the positive impact this will have on the young people in the community, and we hope the hub will instill a renewed sense of pride within the area.”
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