Football Foundation hub planned for Eston's Herlingshaw Centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

Redcar and Cleveland Council is developing plans for a potential Football Foundation hub at Eston's Herlingshaw Centre after Middlesbrough FC's foundation ended its lease.

Plans are progressing for a potential Football Foundation hub based at Eston's Herlingshaw Centre after the MFC Foundation surrendered its long-standing lease to use the indoor site. Redcar and Cleveland Council has appointed consultants to develop initial proposals, with surveys taking place to inform the likely design. The council was successful with an expression of interest for a new modern, community-focused sports facility submitted to the Football Foundation last year, which distributes funds from the Premier League, FA and the Government.

The ageing Herlingshaw Centre, located off Normanby Road, was operated by the MFC Foundation—the charity arm of Middlesbrough FC—for a number of years. The existing management agreement ended in June. Council leader Alec Brown said last year that a £6m bid could be submitted to the Football Foundation for the Herlingshaw site, part of Eston Rec, with potential match funding also coming from the council and its partners.

The MFC Foundation has since focused on new facilities elsewhere, primarily the newly opened Southlands Community and Sports Hub in East Middlesbrough, where it is now based. It has also partnered with the council to develop Ben Scott's playing field in Loftus, where a new 3G sports pitch has been completed with a new pavilion and car park to follow. Sport and Leisure Management have entered into a licence agreement to continue operating the Herlingshaw Centre.

How it is being reported

• Plans progress for potential £6m Football Foundation sports hub in North East townPlans are progressing for a potential Football Foundation ‘hub’ based at Eston’s Herlingshaw Centre after the MFC Foundation surrendered its long-standing lease to use the indoor site.The Northern Echo · 14 Oct, 16:00
• New Football Foundation hub proposed at Eston sports facility in 'early stages of design'The MFC Foundation has also now formally ended its long-standing relationship with the indoor Herlingshaw CentreTeessideLive · 14 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Middlesbrough FC · Redcar and Cleveland Council · Football Foundation · Eston · MFC Foundation

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