Community Stadium

Introduction

In 2006 Cambridgeshire Horizons published a Major Sports Facilities Strategy. The vision for the strategy was to create a network of high quality community and specialist sports facilities within the Cambridge Sub-region that would enhance the quality of life of existing and new communities. The strategy provides an exciting opportunity for the local authorities and Cambridgeshire Horizons to ensure that current and future sporting needs are met as part of the growth of the local area, thereby contributing to the quality of life for the current and future population. One of the main recommendations included in the strategy was that further work be undertaken to investigate the feasibility of developing a community stadium for Cambridge.

What is a Community Stadium?

A Community Stadium is a sports facility that provides a range of amenities and services beyond its core use. Facilities are tailored to reflect local need, and a community stadium aims to be accessible to the communities it serves. Possible facilities for a community stadium include: 

• Gym and health facilities
• Training pitches and community sports facilities
• Education
• Dance/Performance space
• Commercial uses (bars, restaurants, conference centre)

Background

In November 2007, PMP Consultancy Ltd was commissioned to undertake a feasibility study for the project. The report considered possible site locations and the main sporting clubs which could work in partnership with the local authorities to deliver such a facility. Cambridge United Football Club is the only club in the area that has the scale of requirements to justify a 10,000 seat community stadium; therefore the study recommends Cambridge United Football Club as the lead partner for the project. You can read the full feasibility study here.

In April 2010 Grosvenor Developments acquired the Abbey Stadium, home to Cambridge United Football Club. Grosvenor has agreed a memorandum of understanding with the football club to consider options for the development of a new community stadium.

Next Steps

Grosvenor Developments held a Community Stadium forum at Cambridge United Supporters' Club in January 2011 to ask fans and local residents what their thoughts on the new community stadium scheme.

The location for the proposed community stadium  not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be along similar lines to the £10million, 10,000-seater venue put forward by Cambridgeshire Horizons in 2008. The three locations suggested by the same Horizons feasibility study - Milton, Cowley Road and the Marshall site - are among those that have been investigated over the last six months.