Construction has begun on two new community football pitches, demonstrating Leeds City Council’s ongoing dedication to enhancing local sports facilities.
These full-size grass pitches are being developed on council-owned land at Whinmoor Grange in East Leeds, near the Arium horticultural nursery on Thorner Lane. Built to meet Sport England standards, the pitches will feature dedicated parking and landscaped surroundings. They are set to replace the existing pitches at Smeaton Approach, also in East Leeds.
The space currently utilized by the Smeaton Approach pitches is designated for a new community hub. This hub is planned to include a primary school, a medical center, and a convenience supermarket to serve an upcoming residential area. Pending planning consent, the project aims to construct up to 925 homes as a segment of the broader East Leeds Extension housing initiative.
This development is expected to satisfy the local demand for housing. Concurrently, Leeds City Council’s upgrade and relocation of necessary sports facilities ensure that the East Leeds community will not lose out on recreational opportunities. The existing Smeaton Approach pitches will continue to be accessible until the new facilities at Whinmoor Grange are fully operational.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“We want people across Leeds to lead healthy, active lives and, to support that ambition, we’re determined to provide them with access to the very best sporting facilities. The new football pitches at Whinmoor Grange will be an excellent example of the results being delivered by this approach and the difference we are making to our communities.
“I was delighted to recently visit the site, meet the project team and see first-hand the progress already being made on a scheme that I’m sure will be a source of real local pride.”
Construction at Whinmoor Grange is progressing in two stages. The initial phase, which started in July, focuses on building the pitches. The second phase, set to commence in 2025, will include the development of a 50-space parking lot and new paths for walking and cycling. The goal is for the pitches to be fully seeded and mature enough to host matches by September of the following year.
Designed by NPS Leeds and executed by Cleveland Land Services for the council, the project aligns with community needs. Additionally, the planned primary school at Smeaton Approach will feature its own pitch, which will be open for public use after school hours.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families said:
“Schools play an important role in bringing communities together by giving parents and children alike an opportunity to build friendships and share experiences. It’s really pleasing, therefore, to see that a new primary school has been incorporated into the plans for the Smeaton Approach community hub.
“Making its pitch available for use by the public outside of school hours is also a positive idea, and one that I’m sure will be welcomed by local residents.”
Leeds’s health and fitness landscape has recently received several enhancements, including the green light for a new wellbeing hub to take over from the outdated Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton.
Next year, work is slated to begin on transforming the former site of Matthew Murray High School in Holbeck into a sports complex. This will feature three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas, and a two-story building equipped with changing rooms and a café. Additionally, significant upgrades have been completed at leisure centers in Armley, Morley, Wetherby, and Rothwell, further boosting the city’s recreational facilities.
Active Leeds is a vital initiative that significantly contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Leeds community. By providing a wide range of accessible and inclusive fitness programs, engaging the community, and offering comprehensive health support, Active Leeds is making strides towards creating a healthier, more active city.
Whether through innovative fitness classes, supportive health resources, or future developments, Active Leeds remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents www.active.leeds.gov.uk
