‘Game-changing’ makeover for Teesside sports and community hub

Standing on the former Southlands Centre site in Middlesbrough, the new hub has been built to improve access to modern sports facilities, education programmes and community services at the long-standing site.

The development, delivered by Middlesbrough Council and MFC Foundation, features a refurbished 3G pitch, a new grass football pitch and a purpose-built community hub.

Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke said the investment will bring new opportunities to residents in east Middlesbrough.

He said: “This is exactly the sort of investment residents in East Middlesbrough deserve.

“The new Southlands site brings high-quality facilities and, more importantly, opportunities right into the heart of the community.

“With the Foundation involved, it will help more people get active, develop new skills and fulfil their potential.

“We’ve worked hard to get to this point because we know it will make a huge difference.”

Mayor Chris Cooke opening the new centre on Friday (July 17). (Image: MFC Foundation)

The site will serve as a base for grassroots football, youth programmes, education and training schemes, and a range of wider community initiatives.

The MFC Foundation will now operate the hub.

Charlotte Dinsdale, head of the MFC Foundation, said: “We have been delighted to work alongside Middlesbrough Council on this project.

“This facility underlines our commitment to creating opportunities, improving life chances and making a lasting difference to communities across Teesside.”

She thanked funders including the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, which each contributed £100,000 towards the project.

Visitors being shown the new facilities. (Image: MFC Foundation)

Charlotte said the hub represented a long-term investment in the area and would help the Foundation expand its work across the region.

Staff previously based at the Riverside Stadium and the Herlingshaw Centre have now moved into the new facility, which opens to the public this week.

Former Middlesbrough midfielder and broadcaster Chris Kamara, who played football at Southlands as a youngster, visited the site during construction.

He said: “I know first-hand how much this community loves its sport and deserves top-class facilities.

“Seeing the Southlands Hub take shape is emotional and exciting.

“It’s going to be a game changer for people here.”

Visitors tested out the new facilities. (Image: MFC Foundation)

It officially opened last Friday (July 17) and saw Mayor Cooke, Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald in attendance, as well as representatives from Middlesbrough FC, foundation trustees, EFL officials and contractors Wharton Construction.

Matthew Wharton, director of Wharton Construction, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Middlesbrough FC Foundation and Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new Southlands Community Centre and Sports Hub.

“It’s a fantastic facility, and we hope it provides lasting value for the local area for many years to come.”