£5m investment to kickstart ‘SportsTown’

Manchester United’s striking new stadium design is not the only ‘ambitious’ new sports project launching in Greater Manchester this month.

Today (march 17), Oldham council has announced it will be taking its first steps towards building a £70m ‘SportsTown’ in the borough.

The multi-million pound project will include expanding Boundary Park football stadium with brand new sports facilities, a sports and health campus, and a host of training and apprenticeship programs. The site is also tipped for a new cricket pitch and ‘Little Wembley’ area. 

A collaboration between Oldham Council, Boundary Park owner Frank Rothwell, Oldham Athletic AFC and Oldham Rugby League Football Club, it is hoped the project will ring in a ‘new era for sport in the borough’, according to a spokesperson.

Council leader Arooj Shah said: “Sport runs through the veins of Greater Manchester and Oldham is no exception. It’s right that we tap into that. 
“But SportsTown isn’t just about sport, it’s about creating real opportunities for everyone in our town. SportsTown is a big deal for our town and will bring investment, jobs and world class facilities that will benefit generations to come.”

Oldham Council is kickstarting the project with a £5m investment, taken from a pot of £20m recently announced for the borough through the government’s Community Regeneration Fund. 

The cash boost follows the council’s £1m investment into Boundary Park last year to complete resurfacing works and create a permanent home for Oldham RLFC. 

Frank Rothwell, Oldham Athletic chairman, said: “Oldham has always punched above its weight in sport, and we’re not stopping now! This funding is going to set things in motion for something truly game-changing. We’re not here to mess about – we’re here to build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map for sport, health, and education. This is just the beginning!”

Further funding will come from private investors and grants, with an Oldham Council spokesperson stating they were ‘confident’ they could attract the money.