UK
Councillor Salma Arif Welcomes £15 Million Holbeck Sports Hub Set for Final Approval: A major £15 million sports hub in Holbeck is set to receive final approval later this month, marking a significant investment in community infrastructure and active lifestyles in south Leeds. Salma Arif has welcomed the development, describing it as a transformative project for local residents.
The proposal is expected to be formally approved at an upcoming meeting of Leeds City Council’s executive board, paving the way for construction to begin in August 2026. Once completed, the Holbeck Sports Hub will deliver modern, high-quality facilities designed to support both grassroots sport and wider community wellbeing.
The development will include three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas, and a central building featuring changing rooms and a café. Plans also incorporate a children’s play area along with walking and running routes, creating a multi-purpose green space for residents of all ages.
Located on the former site of Matthew Murray High School, the project also aims to integrate a new GP surgery, further enhancing access to healthcare and reinforcing the hub’s role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Councillor Arif highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, stating that the hub would provide “affordable and accessible quality sports pitches” while creating opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement.
The all-weather pitches are expected to address a shortage of more than 20 such facilities across Leeds, offering sustainable training grounds that reduce pressure on traditional grass pitches.
The Holbeck hub forms part of the national Parklife programme, delivered in partnership with the Football Foundation. It will be the third such facility in Leeds, following developments in Calverley and Temple Newsam. All hubs will be managed by the National Football Trust, with any surplus income reinvested into local sports facilities.
Jointly funded by the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council, the project underscores a wider commitment to improving health, wellbeing, and community cohesion through accessible sports infrastructure.
With final approval imminent, the Holbeck Sports Hub is poised to become a cornerstone of community life in south Leeds, offering lasting benefits for generations to come.
