New community centre plan for Sale as Council set to lease land

The Council’s Executive Committee is set to consider in principle the lease of land at Goodwood Field, off Firsway and Manor Avenue.

Not-for-profit charity the Three Meem Foundation currently uses six rented properties in Sale for sports activities, careers and social support for women and children, faith-based activities, education and courses, and mental health clinics.

Formed in 2018 the charity now wants to bring activities together in its own community centre that would be open for all local people to use.

A 1,500 square metre multi-purpose community centre is proposed, featuring a sports hall, multi-purpose halls, gym, classrooms, and car parking.

The centre will primarily focus on sports, education, wellbeing, and community events.

In addition, a small part of the programme will include activities with a cultural or faith element, such as reflection and wellbeing circles, interfaith conversations, or family celebrations linked to community traditions.

Over 90% of the programme will focus on sports, education, wellbeing, and community events, with up to 10% dedicated to reflective and faith-based activities. All activities and facilities will be fully inclusive and open to everyone.

New changing rooms would be provided for the existing playing field with football pitches.

The project would be subject to planning approval and need to include strategies for parking and green transport, as well as protecting and improving the existing sports facilities on the site.

Consultation with local people is set to get under way as part of this process.

Land would be leased at full market rent for 25 years, with a right to renew after that. If the scheme did not proceed, the lease could be ended.

Three Meem has its own finances and benefactors, and the development would not be funded by the Council or taxpayers.

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“This development could provide a significant community facility open to all residents in line with our Council priorities of bringing sport and culture to all and supporting people to live healthy and independent lives.

“As part of our local voluntary and community network, Three Meem has an excellent track record of delivering support and opportunities to a wide range of Trafford residents.

“They have been working positively within the Sale West community for many years. This proposal could provide a sustainable, long-term base for this highly-valued community organisation.”

Three Meem has been working in Sale West for six years, including providing support during the pandemic. It works closely with Our Sale West and its community centre on Newbury Avenue.