The construction of Clee Fields, a new playing pitch facility off Ladysmith Road, started in January 2023, and has now been completed. The two brand new 3G pitches have been lined and fresh new changing rooms in the main building are complete and ready for use when the facility opens later this year.
The operator for the facility has now been appointed following a competitive tendering process: YMCA Humber will take on and run the facility, initially for 5 years.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, explained: “We have created Clee Fields not only for current demand but also for the demand we expect to see in the future, and are looking forward to seeing growth through the use of the facilities by local sports groups and clubs, and community groups.
“It’s great to have YMCA on board to run this for the community, and I hope this will become a popular local asset. I can’t wait to see the facilities to be used and appreciated.”
Kate Conway, Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Humber, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council on the management of the Clee Fields facility. This project will complement the work we already do across our youth, sports, and wellbeing provisions.
“Under the five-year contract we plan to promote, develop, and manage a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community sports offer, including physical activities for those with a disability or long-term health conditions. There will also be social inclusion activities, focusing on women and girls football opportunities.
“We also are keen to work in partnership with organisations, local football teams and clubs, and schools who are keen to hire out 3G pitches and use Clee Fields as their primary training ground.”
The project has been funded by a £1.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation, along with money from the Council’s capital projects budget.
The main ‘pavilion’ has been designed with everyone in mind, having accessible facilities suitable for all genders, four large team changing areas, changing spaces for officials, and a kitchen, servery, and eating area, which doubles up as a ‘team chat and motivation zone’ when not in use by the public. The latter can be accessed from both inside and out, which is handy for people to drop in for a drink while they are playing, or for spectators at the venue.
Solar panels on the roof feed electricity into the building, with the potential for any surplus to be fed into the wider National Grid, air source heat pumps provide the heating and contribute to hot water provision for post-match showers, and in the future, there will be two EV charging points for electric cars. By adding this technology to the venue, the local carbon footprint is hugely reduced, and the building will subsequently benefit from cheaper running costs.
Outside, the two 3G, artificial grass pitches will be available for football with markings for 5, 7, 9, and 11-a-side football, and the second is also enabled for rugby use.
Cllr Jackson continued: “While we already have the exceptionally popular Bradley Football Development Centre, the Clee Fields facility is a fantastic addition and will support in addressing shortfalls in artificial grass pitch provision across the borough, also providing facilities in this area of North East Lincolnshire.
“It is also exciting that we have been able to implement the air source heat pumps and PV panels to help reduce carbon emissions. This is an important aspect of the build and a positive addition to the local authority portfolio.”
The facility will be able to provide all-year-round football and rugby use for the community, including local clubs, leagues and schools, as well as the opportunity for hosting tournaments and events.
Picture: Cllr Philip Jackson and Kate Conway. Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
