Residents and community groups in Beswick are being asked for their views on Rugby Football League (RFL) proposals to transform land at Grey Mare Lane, Beswick, east Manchester.
The RFL, whose headquarters will move from Salford Quays to the Etihad Campus in 2022, is proposing to create a skills, education and training facility for use by the local community, and by a range of sports including Rugby League.
The proposed two-storey building would be a unique base shared by elite athletes, community players and coaches, and by young people and adults from the local area. There are also plans for a small, 900-seat pitch-facing stand attached to the building – an education and training facility for people to begin developing their ‘big match’ skills.
RFL project lead, Tony Sutton, explains:
“For 125 years Rugby League has brought a huge range of social and economic benefits to communities in the north of England and beyond. It is a sport with a massive social impact – and now we want to make an impact in east Manchester.
“Our proposed development would become a local focal point for adult education, training and skills – driving up skills and social mobility through sport. But it’s important that we listen to what local residents have to say about our plans before we make any formal planning application.
“We’ll be at Beswick Library on Thursday 21 October, from 3pm to 7pm, for anybody who wants to drop in and find out more. Alternatively, more information is available on our website, along with contact details for anyone who wants to have a say about the plans.â€
As well as offering a new facility for local people, including planned delivery of health and wellbeing services, OuRLeague Life would also be a key facility for all the England Rugby League squads such as the Men’s, Wheelchair and Women’s teams, and RFL match officials.
More information is available at rugby-league.com/ourleaguelife
