New community facilities officially open at a South Shields seafront sports ground
A major redevelopment has finished at Gypsies Green.
South Tyneside Council has confirmed that redevelopment work at Gypsies Green, in South Shields, has delivered new modern facilities for local sports clubs and community groups.
The outdated building at the sports ground was demolished late last year and has now been replaced with a purpose-built modular facility.
The new facility features a fully-equipped kitchen, social space, changing rooms and shower amenities - with the project designed in consultation with local sports club to ensure that it meets their needs.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the £375,000 project has also included improvements to site access and ensured that the venue is more inclusive and accessible for all users.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, has stated that the improvements will help to attract more sporting events to the borough.
She said: “This investment in Gypsies Green is a fantastic example of how we are working with our communities to provide the facilities they need and deserve.
“These modern, accessible spaces will not only support our local sports clubs but also help attract more events to the area – bringing visitors, boosting tourism and supporting our local economy.
“It’s a real win for South Tyneside.”
Gypsies Green is home to long-standing community groups including South Shields Velo Cycling Club, South Shields Harriers and South Tyneside Football Club.
The sports ground also continues to serve as a key venue for major events such as the Great North Run, British Cycling competitions and football tournaments.
It recently played host to the British Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship for the first time in January as competitors took on a 2.8km course which saw them tackle a mix of terrains such as outdoor track, grass, sand, steep hill climbs and muddy drops.
Philip Fowles, Chairman of South Tyneside Football Club, has revealed the positive impact that the new facilities have had on the football club.
He commented: “The new facilities at Gypsies Green are fantastic and a real plus for our Football Club and sport in general for South Shields & South Tyneside.
“The new changing rooms are spacious and modern, with allocated disabled changing facilities, catering for everyone interested in sport across all age groups in our Borough.”
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