'Exciting' football village moves step closer

Major plans for a new football village in east Cleveland have been given the green light by councillors.

The Loftus Centre, at Ben Scott’s Field, in Loftus, has been approved by Redcar and Cleveland Council cabinet.

Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation will partially fund the new facility, which includes a full-size 3G pitch, 54-space car park and a community provision.

The project is now awaiting funding from the Football Foundation, the charity of the Premier League, Football Association and the Government, prior to work starting on the scheme.

A decision on that application is expected in the new year.

The MFC Foundation engages with more than 38,000 people a year, of all ages and backgrounds, across the Tees Valley in a wide range of activities, working with people from the age of two to 102 in a number of different schemes, from Roary's Academy for young children to the foundation's dementia care work.

Lynsey Edwards, head of Middlesbrough FC Foundation, said: "The council's approval is an important step, and we are looking forward to continuing our work with the Football Foundation and Redcar and Cleveland Council in order to bring the project to a successful completion as soon as possible."

Ben Scott's Field, off Westfield Way, in Loftus, is council-owned, but Redcar and Cleveland Council's cabinet has agreed to partner with the foundation over the plans for the venue.

Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: “I’m delighted to announce the approval of the Middlesbrough FC Foundation's proposal for a sports centre in Loftus. This marks an exciting step forward for our community, enhancing access to sports, fitness and wellbeing facilities."

Linda White, ward councillor for Loftus, added: “I’m incredibly excited about the approval of the new sports village.

“This development will provide fantastic opportunities for our residents, particularly young people. 

“It's a huge boost for Loftus, and I'm proud to see this investment in our town."

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