Update on SUE Community Building and Sports Pitches Transfer

Posted 4 hours ago in Towcester Town Council

The legal transfer of ownership for the SUE Community Building and sports pitches to Towcester Town Council is progressing, with the Transfer Deed still requiring the approval of all parties.

Community Engagement and Facility Planning
The Town Council aims to ensure the new SUE facility serves all age groups. A questionnaire was distributed in February to gather residents' input. The focus is on providing fair and inclusive access to all for activities like health and wellbeing classes, art and music events, and children's programs. Questionnaire responses are available to review at the end of this page.

Sports Pitches and Changing Facilities
The Council recognises the sports pitches will primarily serve football, with Towcester Town Football Club (TTFC) anticipated to be the main user. Although two smaller clubs, Towcester AFC and Tove Valley FC, had registered interest, they are no longer in operation. TTFC will be offered primary user status and invited to join the steering group for facility management.

Earlier this year, TTFC proposed subleasing the entire facility, which the Council declined to ensure fair access for all. (Minutes of Town Council meeting held 9^th June). The Council continues to support TTFC and expects it to use the new facilities, with ongoing discussions facilitated by the Northamptonshire Football Association.

Community Collaboration
Headline analysis of feedback from the survey responses demonstrated excitement for a community centre within the SUE and respondents were equally spread across Towcester, many of which reported they would regularly use the facility weekly or several days a week.

The Town Council is dedicated to working with the Northamptonshire FA and other parties to finalise a usage agreement that benefits all.

There is potential for Primary Partnership status to also be offered to additional hire groups which deliver comparable or complementary services, i.e. health and well-being activities.

Groups with Primary Partnership status would be encouraged to become part of a steering group which will be formed to oversee the management of the facility going forward.