Plans for the Petersfield Community and Sports Hub in Cheltenham are advancing rapidly, bringing new hope for local sports and community development. At the upcoming cabinet meeting on June 10, council leaders are expected to approve more than £500,000 in funding to support this exciting project.
The proposed hub will be located at the Saracens FC football ground in the Moors estate, serving as a modern replacement for the existing outdated clubhouse facilities currently housed in two shipping containers. This new development is a key part of a broader strategy to enhance recreational opportunities in the St Peters and the Moors area.
While the land belongs to Cheltenham Borough Council, Saracens FC holds a 25-year lease on the football ground and the adjacent area, with 22 years remaining. The council is preparing to offer amended lease terms to Saracens FC and establish a new lease agreement with the Petersfield Partnership charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), founded in 2023 to oversee the hub’s delivery.
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To aid fundraising efforts, the council plans to allocate its five percent management fee from the Big Local project to support the Petersfield Partnership in managing the construction of the hub. Additionally, formal agreements will be put in place to ensure transparent governance and community-focused management of the facility throughout the lease period.
Financially, the council is set to allocate a total of £356,643 from the Big Local fund currently held by a local trust, along with an administration fee of £17,832 for future project oversight. This includes a previous administration fee of £42,143 plus additional funding from multiple sources totaling £71,133, comprising the Big Local underspend, housing revenue contributions, and police and crime commissioner funds.
Once the leases and agreements are finalized, the council’s finance and legal teams will have delegated authority to conclude the letting arrangements. The Petersfield Partnership CIO will then receive the grant funds to manage the project, supported by a management agreement ensuring that the hub serves the best interests of the local community.
This landmark investment marks a significant step forward for both Saracens FC and the wider Petersfield area, promising enhanced sports facilities and a vibrant community hub for years to come.