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.
Consultants have been appointed by Redcar and Cleveland Council to develop initial proposals, while surveys are taking place to inform the likely design.
Last year the council was successful with an expression of interest for a new modern, community-focused sports facility submitted to the national charity, which distributes funds from the Premier League, FA and the Government.
The ageing Herlingshaw Centre, which is located off Normanby Road, was operated by the MFC Foundation – the charity arm of Middlesbrough FC – for a number of years.
Council records show the existing management agreement with the council, which owns the property, ended in June.
The MFC Foundation, which once planned to have its headquarters at the Herlingshaw, has since pivoted towards 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 on a project to develop Ben Scott’s playing field, in Loftus, where a new 3G sports pitch has been completed with a new pavilion, incorporating changing rooms and a café, and a car park to follow.
Last year council leader Alec Brown said 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, and he had directed council officers to work up such an application.
In the meantime, Sport and Leisure Management (SLM), the existing operator of the adjoining Eston Leisure Centre which trades as ‘Everyone Active’, have entered into a licence agreement with the council to continue the operation of the Herlingshaw Centre.
A delegated decision report for cabinet members said this would “ensure continuity of football on the site for existing teams using the facility”.
It said the licence would involve payment of a ‘peppercorn’ fee with SLM responsible for keeping the building in a wind and watertight condition, as well as meeting all other occupational costs.
Councillor Lynn Pallister, cabinet member for growth and enterprise at the council, said: “Work is continuing in partnership with the Football Foundation to conceptualise designs for the long-term future of the Herlingshaw Centre.
“Surveys and technical assessments are currently being undertaken to inform the process of making funding bids and the early stages of the design process.
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“Public engagement would be anticipated in 2027.
“In the meantime, Everyone Active is currently operating the facility, ensuring that existing users can continue to access and enjoy the football facilities on site while plans for its long-term future are developed.
“Enquiries around bookings can be made through Eston Leisure Centre.”