The new facility would also become the new training ground for Rochdale AFC, if plans are approved
A giant new sports complex could be built on the edge of Bury and Rochdale.
The 10.7 hectare site is already home to the Bowlee Community Hub. But new plans would see that replaced by a brand new pavilion and new sports pitches, a play area and a 50-space car park.
The new complex of Heywood Old Road would also become the new training facility for Rochdale AFC, who have recently been promoted to League 2 of the English Football League.
The Dale would get a clubhouse as their base opposite the new pavilion as part of the plans. The revamped community building would include a community room with a kitchen, as well as a fitness suite; four team changing rooms; and two smaller changing rooms for match officials.
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The current facilities do a good job to support the community as it is home to a number of different sports clubs. However, the pitches suffer from water logging and the changing spaces are outdated, according to planning papers.
This proposal would improve the offer for local sports teams through significant investment in facilities, infrastructure and supporting community provision. The scheme has been devised by Rochdale council and Rochdale AFC (RAFC) to create a new Football and Community Wellbeing Hub in Bowlee, Middleton.
The idea would also allow youngsters to watch the professional team training just opposite them. It is hoped that such close proximity to elite level athletes could inspire the next generation’s Paul Scholes or Keira Walsh, who both grew up in the local area.
These proposals have been developed collaboratively with input from Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale AFC, Your Trust, the Football Foundation, Sport England, Lancashire County Football Association and Lancashire County Cricket Club.
The new sports complex would also connect to Bowlee Community Park via a number of footpaths and cycle routes, according to planning papers. Not only is the site close to the residential community at Langley, but it will be right next to the proposed 1,550-home housing scheme.
If approved, all these homes would be delivered over several years and split into three parts – north, south and east, bisected by Heywood Old Road (the A6045). The southern parcel is expected to deliver around 800 homes, with 550 in the north and 200 in the east.
This proposal, separate from the sports complex, would also include a local centre with a primary school, shops and health facilities. This housing scheme, called Simister Bowlee, forms part of a wider plan for the region – called the Northern Gateway.
The Northern Gateway looks to build around 7,000 homes; create 20,000 new jobs; improve road and transport infrastructure; and bring trams to Middleton.
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