Green light given for new sports facilities at club
PERMISSION has been granted to build new sports facilities in Southport to celebrate a local club’s centenary. The scheme at Holy Trinity Recreation Ground, at The Rookery Sports and Social Club on Roe Lane in Southport would involve the demolition of the existing sports club before the construction of a new sports pavilion with four changing rooms, spectator facilities and lounge facilities.
The ambitious scheme offers “the best opportunity to secure the long-term future for the buildings and site at The Rookery” as it nears its 100th anniversary.
The land was left to a charity which is responsible for the care, maintenance and improvement of the nine-acre playing fields in 1925.
The gift was made by a local philanthropist for the recreational improvement of the local residents of the parish.
Today, the site supports three cricket clubs, a tennis club and one football club – Southport Trinity AFC – which is Southport’s oldest amateur football club.
But the facilities – which include an old-fashioned communal bath – are outdated and need updating.
The clubhouse, which is over 65 years old and is used for social events, after match refreshments and fundraising activity, is also in need of modernisation.
A partial refurbishment of the lounge and bar was completed in 2018 only for it to be severely damaged by a fire just three days after opening which has led to “a severe reduction in revenue”.
In his report, Sefton Council Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie wrote: “The site is for the provision of various sports, including cricket, football and tennis (among others), and is designated as open space within the Local Plan.
“While the site is extensively used for various sports, it also acts as a hub for various groups to use for leisure and wellbeing activities.
“The Holy Trinity Recreation Ground Ltd is a registered charity which is responsible for the care, maintenance and ongoing improvements to the site.
“The existing clubhouse did undergo some restoration works in 2018; however, the pavilion was partially destroyed by fire not long after. As it stands, the pavilion has now been condemned for health and safety reasons and temporary changing facilities have had to be provided in the car park.
“The use of the site (as a sports and community use facility) would not substantially change. Facilities could be provided to hold social occasions (birthdays, sports presentations/gatherings etc); however, this is not substantially different from the arrangement at the site prior to the existing pavilion becoming damaged by fire.
“The new pavilion would provide updated changing facilities which are fit-for-purpose and compliant with Sports England’s requirements in terms of sizing and safeguarding.
“The site is clearly a well loved community asset. Comparatively, the development would not substantially alter the use of the site, however it would substantially improve the facilities available for its users and the wider community and this weighs significantly in its favour.”
The proposed football and cricket part of the site extends to an area of 33,956 sq m (3.39 hectares) and is laid out as sports pitches comprising two senior 11-a-side football, one nine-aside, two five-a-side and one seven-a-side football pitch and two cricket squares.
The three cricket clubs consist of five senior, one ladies team and three junior sides with around 100 playing members and 50 social members in total.
The football club has one senior and 20 junior sides with around 300 players, 50 officials, coaches and managers.
The tennis club has around 50 members.