Plans for New Sports Complex on Heywood Old Road Near Rochdale

A new sports complex is proposed for a 10.7-hectare site on Heywood Old Road, located on the border of Rochdale and Bury. The development aims to replace the existing Bowlee Community Hub with a modern facility that includes a pavilion, sports pitches, a play area, and a 50-space car park. If approved, the complex will serve as the new training ground for Rochdale AFC, who have recently been promoted to League Two of the English Football League.

The plans include a clubhouse for Rochdale AFC, situated opposite the new pavilion. The revamped community building will feature a community room with a kitchen, a fitness suite, four team changing rooms, and two smaller changing rooms for match officials. Current facilities have been deemed inadequate due to issues such as waterlogging on pitches and outdated changing spaces, according to planning documents.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale AFC, aimed at creating a Football and Community Wellbeing Hub in Bowlee, Middleton. The proposal is designed to enhance local sports offerings through significant investment in infrastructure and community provisions. It is hoped that the proximity to professional athletes will inspire local youth, following in the footsteps of notable players like Paul Scholes and Keira Walsh, who hail from the area.

The new sports complex will also connect to Bowlee Community Park via footpaths and cycle routes. Additionally, it is located near a proposed housing development of 1,550 homes, known as Simister Bowlee, which is part of a broader plan called the Northern Gateway. This plan aims to build around 7,000 homes and create 20,000 new jobs in the region, alongside improvements to transport infrastructure.