Residents of Saddleworth, Oldham, are set to benefit from ambitious plans aimed at creating SportsTown, a transformative sports, education, health, and wellbeing campus with investments totaling £70 million. This initiative was officially announced on March 17, 2025, marking the beginning of what local officials are calling a new era for sports and community opportunities within the borough.
The project is kickstarted with £5 million funding from the Government’s Community Regeneration Fund, aimed at bolstering local amenities and community spirit. This funding builds on Oldham Council's previous investment of £1 million, which helped to create a new playing surface at Boundary Park, the home ground of Oldham Athletic.
“SportsTown is another example of the power of collaboration and our shared ambitions to create opportunities for our residents,” said Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council. “This exciting development will inspire Oldhamers to aim high and achieve their full potential. It creates real educational and career opportunities for our residents, giving our local economy a welcome boost.”
Planning for the SportsTown project includes the expansion of the Boundary Park football ground to what leaders term a four-sport hub. This expansion would encompass new pitches, educational centers, and eventually, the construction of a 3,000-seat sporting arena designated for sports such as netball, basketball, and wheelchair rugby. The aim is lofty, with projections estimating the facility could attract as many as 25,000 weekly visitors.
“Our dream is to have an arena here,” stated Darren Royle, Chief Executive of Oldham Athletic and SportsTown. “And, critically, to have proper cricket nets in the town. The opportunity is to have 25,000 visitors a week here within the next five years.” This statement reflects both the excitement surrounding the project and its potential impact on local sports culture and community engagement.
The existing plans outline significant improvements, including improved cricket facilities, state-of-the-art astroturf pitches for rugby, and enhanced accommodations for Oldham Athletic's football academy. A full overhaul of facilities is set to provide the community with substantial opportunities for education and involvement.
Further backing for the project came from sports figures within the town, including Frank Rothwell, owner of Boundary Park and chairman of Oldham Athletic. “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.” Rothwell expressed enthusiasm not only for current sporting programs but also for creating career paths for young individuals interested in sports and health.
Bill Quinn, chairman of Oldham RLFC, underscored the importance of having established facilities for local sports teams. “Having a permanent home at Boundary Park is a game-changer, giving our players, fans, and community a place to be proud of. SportsTown is exactly what Oldham needs – bringing in investment, creating opportunities, and ensuring Oldham remains a powerhouse not just in rugby, but across all sports.”
The vision for SportsTown is tightly interwoven with economic development, community togetherness, and health initiatives. Oldham Council plans extensive training programs to allow local individuals to engage with sport and education, targeting students who may fall outside of mainstream education routes. Shah commented, “Sport engages those who are falling through the gaps of mainstream education. To be able to give those people the opportunity to enter education and gain qualifications is huge.” This signifies another layer of depth to the project, reinforcing its intention to serve all members of the community.
Besides direct investments from local entities, additional funding avenues include securing the remaining £64 million through government and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) grants alongside public investments. “Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks,” indicated Royle, highlighting the aspirational and adaptive nature of the funding approach.
The broader aim is not only to bolster sports but to create jobs and educational avenues, fostering community spirit among residents and businesses alike. Royle is adamant about fulfilling the dreams of local youth through stimulating sporting initiatives. “This is just the beginning, and trust me, we’re going to make it happen!” he stated.
While the funding news is promising, local officials stress the need for continued community backing and involvement to turn the grand vision of SportsTown from concept to reality.
Overall, the development of SportsTown is marked by collaboration among local organizations, government, and community leaders, all united to transform Oldham’s approach to sports, education, health, and wellbeing. Looking forward, this strategic endeavor is expected to not only enrich the lives of residents but also position Oldham as a leader within Greater Manchester’s sporting community.
