We’re taking steps to protect the future of Old Trafford Sports Barn (OTSB) in Seymour Park.
To do this, we’re handing over the day-to-day running of OTSB to a new community organisation.
This is called a Community Asset Transfer. We will still own the building, but a not-for-profit group will lease it and take care of it.
Why are we doing this?
With a community-led approach, the site can get funding and support that the Council can’t. This will help improve the building and offer more activities.
The aim is to create a friendly, inclusive space where everyone can enjoy sport, get active, and support their wellbeing.
Who will run the sports barn?
University Academy 92 (UA92) and Positive Community Spaces Old Trafford (PCSOT) will run the site together. They have set up a not-for-profit group called a Community Benefit Society.
With support from Sport England, we believe this is the best way to bring in funding, involve the community, and keep the site open and available to everyone.
What will the transfer include?
The transfer will include:
- main sports barn building
- indoor and multi-use spaces
- changing facilities
- playgroup areas
- outdoor pitches
- games areas
The new group will sign a 25-year lease. A Community Use Agreement will make sure the site continues to meet local needs.
If needed, the Council can take back control of the site in the future.
Refurbishing the site
Before it reopens, the sports barn will close for building work.
The Council, Sport England and UA92 will fund improvements. This will update the sports hall, community spaces, changing rooms and toilets. Work will also improve the outdoor pitch, lighting, access and surrounding areas.
These changes will make the site easier to use, more up-to-date, and able to offer more activities.
The transition period
During the changeover, Trafford Leisure will keep running the site until it closes for the building work. They will also help hand it over to the new group.
Current users will be kept up to date. We will do our best to stay in touch and welcome people back when the site reopens.
The playgroup will continue as normal and has a secure lease in place.
After the site reopens
The activities available when the site reopens are still being planned.
The new operator will work with current users, local groups and residents to shape what’s on offer. They will try to keep existing activities where possible and add new ones.
Prices will be set to keep activities affordable for local people.
Feedback
Community feedback has been an important part of this work. This has included surveys, events and regular talks with local groups. This will continue as plans move forward and during the changeover.
We encourage local people to stay involved, share their views and help shape the future of the sports barn. To do this, email OTSBengagement@trafford.gov.uk.