£458k funding boost for new community and sports hub for St Peters and the Moors

• Space for residents to meet and enjoy activities
• Government funding secured through community ownership fund
• Joint project with the Petersfield Partnership and Cheltenham Saracens Football Club

A new community and sports hub at Chelt Walk Park is a step closer following a £458k funding boost from the government’s Community Ownership Fund and thanks to the work of The Petersfield Partnership, a charity set up as part of the St. Peters and the Moors Big Local.

The new hub will offer a safe space for residents to meet, take part in sport, leisure, wellbeing and other activities, and build their confidence and skills.

Plans include a single storey multipurpose facility, with upgraded changing rooms for the football team and social and community spaces including a bar and kitchen. There will be usable indoor spaces for community and social activities and the design aims to improve access and security to a neglected area.

Graham Roberts, chair of Petersfield Partnership and chair of Saracens FC, said: "The funding commitment from the government is an exciting opportunity not only for the club, but for this community. The building will provide the space for community and social activities and support SPTM (St Peter’s & The Moors) with continued investment in this community."

The current buildings that are used by the football club are falling into disrepair, with the potential consequences that they fail to meet FA standards – meaning the potential loss of the club and its buildings which are used by the local community.

Cllr Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "Investing in our communities is one of our top priorities. We’re thrilled that the Petersfield Partnership has been successful in its funding bid and the new community sports hub will be a vitally important building to the people of St Peters and the Moors - we look forward to continuing working in partnership with them."

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for safety and communities for Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Petersfield Partnership has secured almost half a million pounds for the community. The families, older and younger people in the Moors and further afield, will benefit hugely from the community and sports hub that is proposed. It has been a long journey, but we have just scored a great goal!"

This builds upon the 25 year lease for Cheltenham Saracens which was awarded to the club last year in recognition of the club’s commitment both to the ground, and its positive impact on the wider community.

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Notes

The Petersfield Partnership is a resident-led community project that brings together local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make their area an even better place to live. It is supported by Cheltenham Borough Council.

Cheltenham Saracens Football Club was established in 1964 as a multi-sports club based at Petersfield Park and play in the Hellenic League.