Football Hub plans revealed for city racecourse

Leisure development firm Alliance Leisure, in partnership with Derby City Council, has submitted planning application to Derby City Council for the development of the Football Hub at Derby Racecourse.

This plans also outline a vision of increasing car parking spaces by over 200 and improving entry and exit to the site. The development will create a community hub with café space and ancillary spaces.

The football development will see three new full-sized floodlit 3G pitches alongside the existing 3G which will enhance the home of the Derby Junior Football League and the Derbyshire Girls and Ladies League, which host over 250 matches each weekend.

The project is part of a national Hubs programme led by the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation with the aim to offer an alternative and sustainable solution to the long-term future for grassroots football. It is anticipated that the new development of the Football Hub will support the increased demand in football in Derby as identified in the Playing Pitch Strategy.

Subject to planning consent being granted, work on the Football Hub is set to commence in early 2023.

Will Gardner Alliance Leisure Business development manager, said: “We are looking forward to delivering this project by bringing together specialist partners who can create a relevant community asset for the local area. Alliance Leisure pride ourselves on delivering quality facilities and the Football Hub will be no exception.

Councillor Jerry Pearce, cabinet member for streetpride, leisure and oublic Spaces, said: “The aim of this scheme is to upgrade and improve facilities for grassroots football in Derby. We look forward to this next, important stage.

Lee Rider, senior delivery manager, Football Foundation said: “The Foundation are supportive of the Councils plans for the Racecourse site and believe that the impact locally will be significant for both sport and wider users of the park when complete.”