Ambitious sports plans to be foundation for new era of sport for Oldham

The government has pledged £5 million in investment towards SportsTown, an “ambitious and transformative” £70 million sports, education, health and wellbeing campus in Oldham.

Centred around Boundary Park, home of National League side Oldham Athletic, SportsTown is also aiming to attract health and educational facilities to the site, as well as a permanent home for Oldham Rugby Football League Club.

The cash boost from the Government’s Community Regeneration Fund builds on £1 million previously invested by Oldham Council, which funded a new playing surface at Boundary Park.

One of the founder members of the Premier League, Oldham have fallen to a new low when they were relegated, seen as a metaphor for the decline of one of the poorest boroughs in Greater Manchester, and stricken with political and racial conflicts.

Darren Royle, Chief Executive of Oldham Athletic AFC, and son of Joe Royle, the club’s manager during the Premier League days, added: “SportsTown provides an innovative response to the Oldham Economic Review Board and Oldham Economic and Skills Strategy findings. By harnessing the power of sport, health, wellness, business and education we are moving forwards by creating a unique Further and Higher Education opportunity for the young people of Greater Manchester and beyond.

“The four main sports pathways of football, rugby, netball and cricket will be followed by more opportunities for the Town of Oldham working in tandem with our strategic partners.”

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “SportsTown is another example of the power of collaboration and our shared ambitions to create opportunities for our residents.

“This exciting development will inspire Oldhamers to aim high and achieve their full potential. It creates real educational and career opportunities in sports, health and related fields for our residents while giving our local economy a welcome boost.

“This is just the start for SportsTown which builds on Oldham’s sporting history and shows how we will maximise every opportunity for the next generation, ensuring our communities can grow and lead healthier, happier lives.”

Frank Rothwell, owner of Boundary Park and Chairman of Oldham Athletic AFC, said: “Oldham has always punched above its weight in sport, and we’re not stopping now!

“This funding is going to set things in motion for something truly game-changing. We’re not here to mess about – we’re here to build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map for sport, health, and education. This is just the beginning, and trust me, we’re going to make it happen!”

Bill Quinn, Chairman of Oldham RLFC, said: “Next year marks 150 years of Oldham RLFC – a huge milestone for our club and our town. Having a permanent home at Boundary Park is a game-changer, giving our players, fans, and community a place to be proud of.

“SportsTown is exactly what Oldham needs – bringing in investment, creating opportunities, and making sure Oldham remains a powerhouse in rugby and beyond.”

Oldham has a proud sporting history and this investment will build on that legacy by creating new opportunities for future generations.

This £5 million investment is just the beginning and will act as a springboard for further investment to realise the full SportsTown vision.