Ossett Town Juniors unveil plans for new community sports and wellbeing hub

The club has submitted an expression of interest to Wakefield Council and is seeking a long-term lease to develop the site in phases, subject to feasibility studies, planning approval and agreement with the council.

They are hoping to help create new opportunities for sport, social activity and environmental improvement.

The proposed facility could include two full-size floodlit 3G football pitches, between two and four padel courts, changing rooms, toilets, a cafe and a flexible indoor space for community activities.

Plans also feature footpaths, walking routes and new biodiversity habitats.

The aim is to create an inclusive facility for local football/sports clubs, schools, community groups and residents of all ages and abilities.

Chairwomen Zoe Hilton said: “Ossett Town Juniors supports more than 500 young players, boys and girls aged between six and 17, the development would help meet growing demand for all-weather sports facilities while promoting health, wellbeing and community involvement.”

Wakefield Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy has identified a shortfall in current 3G provisions and the invitation from the council for expressions of interest in the Spring Mill area has been welcomed by the club.

It believes Spring Mill offers a strong opportunity because of its existing access from Queens Drive and the potential to make use of existing parking space.

The proposed plans could also provide training opportunities for young adults and people with special educational needs and disabilities, including experience in food preparation, hygiene and customer service.

A flexible indoor community space could host activities such as yoga, parent groups, book clubs, wellbeing sessions and disability support. The site could also provide a welcoming base for families, volunteers and local organisations.

The plans are intended to support health and wellbeing by making year-round activity more accessible. Floodlit 3G pitches would allow football to continue during poor weather, while walking routes and outdoor spaces would encourage wider use of the site.

Environmental responsibility is also central to the proposal. Ossett Town Juniors says it will consider requirements for arboricultural, ecological, access and feasibility surveys at an early stage.

The design would seek to protect existing trees, vegetation and wildlife, with native replanting and habitat improvements used where impacts cannot be avoided.

The club is also exploring whether parts of the project could contribute to Wakefield Council’s biodiversity plans, with the ambition of delivering a measurable improvement in biodiversity alongside the sporting and community benefits.

Ossett Town Juniors has more than 90 years of local grassroots football history and previously delivered four grass pitches through a project supported by Wakefield Council and the Football Foundation.

An online petition set-up has received support from close to 900 people already and can be found at https://www.change.org/p/ossett-community-centre-3g-padel-hub

The proposed project would be managed by a dedicated not-for-profit organisation, which would hold the lease and operate the facility for community benefit. Income from pitch hire, padel, café use, room hire and events would help create a sustainable long-term operating model.

If delivered, the Spring Mill hub could become a valuable new asset for Ossett: supporting local sport, improving wellbeing, creating skills and volunteering opportunities, strengthening community connections and giving the council a committed local partner for long-term investment.