There are plans for new investment at Spalding’s Sir Halley Stewart playing field, following the completion of a long-term lease for the community asset by Spalding United FC.
The new 25-year lease will allow the club to realise their ambitions to increase the field’s offer for local residents and community groups, as well as furthering their own progress as they continue to rise through the football pyramid.
Over recent months the club has worked with the Trustee of Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on the deal, which will open up new funding and investment opportunities and create more opportunities for wider use of the popular facility.
From the Trustee’s perspective, the lease will further the key priorities for the field, seeing more local residents able to access, use and enjoy the asset, whilst supporting more local clubs and their members to continue to find a home and grow and helping Spalding United FC continue their fantastic progress and remain a key part of the town’s identity.
As part of the agreement Spalding United have reaffirmed their commitment to encouraging use of the grounds and to helping grow grassroots football and other sport and recreation opportunities at the Sir Halley Stewart and in the local area.
Councillor Nick Worth, leader of South Holland District Council, and Councillor Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning, said: “We are delighted that Spalding United FC and the Trustee have agreed this deal, which can help start a fantastic new chapter for the Sir Halley Stewart, the local community and the club.
“We have known for some time that there was a growing desire and need for investment in the facilities that the Trustee would really struggle to find without the costs having to fall upon local taxpayers.
“This lease not only secures that investment, but also creates wide-reaching benefits for the local community, economy and businesses, whilst ensuring the field remains home to a wide number of sporting organisations and other initiatives.”
Andrew Killingsworth, Chairman of Spalding United, said: “From day one we have shown an interest in taking more ownership of the Sir Halley Stewart, not only to help our growth as a club but the growth of the local community as a whole, it’s a significant project and one we look forward to engaging as many people as possible with, so the club can grow in tandem with the town.
“This is another piece in the jigsaw that we needed to maximise the opportunity that has been presented to us all.”
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