Colchester Community Stadium
14th November 2006

The Benefits of the Colchester Community Stadium

A Colchester United Community Sports Trust Perspective

Aim of document 

To provide a Colchester United Community Sports Trust (the Trust) perspective on the potential community benefits emerging from the establishment of the new Colchester Community Stadium at Cuckoo Farm, North Colchester, 2007-2012

Long Term Vision of the Trust 

“Our mission is to work in partnership with communities, continuing to develop an inclusive range of sporting, educational and social opportunities, improving the quality of life for individuals and neighbourhoods” 

Background 

There is growing recognition that professional sport has a powerful role to play in communities and community regeneration. 

Since its incorporation as a charity the Trust has become a national pathfinder in the delivery of community led sporting, educational, health and social programmes.  

Hundreds of thousands of children, young people and adults in North Essex have benefited from formal and informal sporting opportunities, as well as learning and health activities provided by the Trust. 

Over the last two years the Trust has been consulting with a wide range of stakeholders to define needs and create a footprint for what is intended to be an iconic community hub for North Colchester and the adjacent area. 

The new Colchester Community Stadium 

Further to extensive consultation and discussion it has been determined that the Trust will be leading in the community development of the stadium. The Trust currently sees two phases of growth over the next five years. 

Phase 1. Immediate 

The provision of two floodlit synthetic pitches, a well equipped IT suite and meeting facilities will enable the Trust to embed the current activity in the North of the town and strengthen the current provision of

• high quality sports services to schools and the wider community

• health, physical activity and cultural opportunities in order to improve the quality of life and neighbourhoods

• education and learning opportunities to enhance individuals development and sense of place in the community.

Phase 2. Potential 

The expansion of the floodlit five a side provision and the potential to add one or two storey pods to accommodate further community activities will enable the Trust to expand current provision and contribute further to a widening community agenda in which

• health promotion

• education training and employment opportunities

• regeneration programmes

• partnership working with local and sub regional groups will become key focal points.

Health promotion           

• healthy eating and lifestyle support

• specialist clinics

• improved information and guidance

Education, training and employment       

• basic skills development

• early learning support

• family learning support

• skills for local employment

• adult learning

Regional activities        

• social inclusion programmes for the disadvantaged

• capacity building programmes particularly for third sector organisations

• cultural/tourism initiatives

Partnership working            

• local authority (libraries)

• Development Agencies (growth point initiatives)

• Community Services (post office/neighbourhood police presence)

• Local Community and Voluntary groups

Shrub End Community & Sports Centre 

The Trust have a wealth of expertise and experience gained from delivering successful community development programmes for the last 10 years, alongside their more recent experience of establishing and managing the Shrub End Community & Sports Centre. We aim to bring together our own resources and work in partnership with the Council and other agencies to deliver a wide range of beneficial services to the community. 

Conclusion 

The creation of Colchester Community Stadium will act as a catalyst for the creation, development and ongoing delivery of a wide range of community activities and services that will benefit both the people of Colchester and the wider community. The Trust have the experience, commitment and passion to ensure that the community itself will become the beating heart of the new Colchester Community Stadium. 

Darren Barrenger
Chair Colchester United Community Sports Trust

Steve Bradshaw
Chief Executive Colchester United Community Sports Trust