Following the successful transfers of other community spaces like Stretford Public Hall, George H Carnall Leisure Centre, and Walton Sports Complex, the Council’s Executive recommended exploring a Community Asset Transfer for Old Trafford Sports Barn (OTSB).
In Autumn 2024, the Executive voted for the transfer of the Sports Barn to a partnership between a local voluntary and community group called Positive Community Spaces Old Trafford (PCSOT) and University Academy 92 (UA92).
Transformation in motion
Trafford Council has worked with Positive Community Spaces Old Trafford, University Academy 92 and Sport England to set the transformation in motion for the sports and leisure centre in Seymour Park, Old Trafford. The project will receive funding from Sport England and UA92.
The Council continues to provide project sponsorship, legal support and strategic planning.
The refurbishment programme will start with modernising the four-court sports hall and communal spaces. Including installing eco-friendly lighting and heating systems throughout. This will be followed by a proposed replacement of the outdoor 3G football pitch surface.
The future of Old Trafford Sports Barn
Through the community asset transfer, the centre will become a vibrant community activity and wellbeing hub that will empower local people to live active, healthier lives.
It will aim to serve local families, young people, older residents, and low-income households with both physical activity, exercise and sport offerings, plus lifelong learning and wellbeing programmes.
Local community engagement events and activities will take place regularly, through to the reopening of the newly refurbished centre in autumn 2026.
To find out more, email OTSBengagement@trafford.gov.uk.