GROUND has been officially broken on a new seven-figure sports facility which will be a ‘state-of-the-art’ hub for the community - despite campaigners objecting to the build.
Work began on the new community pavilion at the Parkside Centre in Hoyland which will also include a cafe alongside 3G pitches, a purpose-built archery range, activity spaces and changing facilities.
Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock was amongst representatives who attended last Friday’s ground-breaking event alongside leading figures from the Premier League, the FA and the government’s Football Foundation.
The Football Foundation contributed more £1.5m of funding to the Parkside Centre, while Barnsley Council contributed funding of £2.5m for the project.
It is set to open in July 2025, the Chronicle understands, and will replace the former Rockingham Sports Ground.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “The new Parkside Centre at Hoyland Common will provide a state-of-the-art facility to greatly improve the health and social wellbeing of not just local residents but everyone across the borough.
“Significant investment from the council and the Football Foundation will greatly improve the existing facilities in the area and offer increased opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of a healthier and more active lifestyle.
“Improving the health and wellbeing of our residents is a key element of our Barnsley 2030 ambitions and the Parkside Centre will provide the means to do just that.
“I’d like to thank Stephanie for visiting the site to show her support for the development and I look forward to seeing the work on the site completed.”
Campaigners claimed it represented more ‘needless destruction’ of Hoyland’s remaining few greenspaces before planning consent was granted.
Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said the centre will provide many benefits for the local community.
“We’re working closely with our partners - the Premier League, the FA and the government - to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“We’re delighted that works are now underway to deliver the centre and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.
“It will bring a wealth of benefits to the local area, increase the amount of people who can use and benefit from the facilities in Hoyland Common, provide more playing time for football and support our ambitions to support residents to feel the physical and mental benefits of being more physically active for good health.”
