Playing fields transfer could see big boost for grassroots sports

GRASSROOTS sports in Halifax are due to be given a boost as the council prepares to hand over the responsibility for playing fields to local people.

The handover of Four Fields at Ovenden is expected to be endorsed by councillors at a meeting next Monday.

Local organisation Ovenden Sport and Community Arena Foundation (OSCA) is expected to take over the management of the land.

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It will pay a peppercorn rent and take over the maintenance and has big plans to transform the area into top-quality facilities for rugby, football and other games and pastimes such as archery, climbing, mountain biking, kiting and orienteering.

The overall project has been valued at £2.8m but it is expected to take some time to come to fruition.

The OSCA Foundation has plans to provide:

Several pitches of various surfaces;

One multi-activity games area;

Five practice or small game pitches for junior football and rugby;

Two spectator areas with shelters;

Hospitality/corporate function room and a clubhouse;

Changing and physio rooms;

Office and storage rooms.

The Foundation partners are Ovenden Amateur Rugby Club, Ovenden West Riding Football Club, St Columbus Junior Football Club and Creative International Adventures.

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A report by the council says that the impact of the transfer of the land will be positive.

The financial impact on the council will be “neutral” as it will be losing £3,000 a year in ground rent but also saving about the same amount in maintenance costs.

The OSCA Foundation is already having success in getting funding for its ambitious plans for local sport.

It already has £60,000 from the Key Fund, £5,000 from the Football Foundation and another £50,000 from a source which has yet to be made public.

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Further applications for money have been submitted to Sport England (£50,000), the Football Foundation (£100,000 to £150,000), Biffaward (£50,000), Sport England Inspired Facilities (up to £100,000) and possible sums from the Rugby Football League, Tutor Trust and Trust House.

The report says: “In summary this transfer of assets should be seen as a positive opportunity by Calderdale Council to help draw down funding into the district in a tough economic climate.

“The transfer will be at no extra cost to the council and there will be steps made... to minimise risks with regular open dialogue between officers and the Foundation.”

It adds: “The transfer of the asset should be seen as a positive for the area of North Halifax and it will support the council and partners in their ambitions, especially in relation to sport participation and health.”

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In order for the asset transfer to succeed, Ovenden Rugby League club will have to surrender its existing lease and a new lease will have to be granted to OSCA for 40 years for a peppercorn rent.

The OSCA Foundation says the proposed new facilities are much-needed.

A spokesman said: “The Arena will be a ground-breaking sports and community facility for Ovenden. Ovenden is a particular area of need and is within the worst deprived five per cent in the country, with fewer individuals taking part in physical activity than anywhere else in the district.

“This local sports and community partnership will showcase rugby league and football at the highest possible amateur level.

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“It will increase participation in sport and active recreation to engage the whole community, whether talented or those taking part simply for health or social reasons.”

Details can be found online at www.oscarena.co.uk

Cabinet committee members are due to discuss the report next Monday,

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