Salford City Council is delighted to announce that it has received a substantial grant of £600,000 from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation to develop new football pitches and transform the Abert Park space into a state-of-the-art facility.. The grant award comes from a collaborative effort between the Council and the Broughton Trust, who have worked closely to secure funding for this much-needed project. The £750,000 refurbishment project aims to revitalise the football facilities at Albert Park, which have been in significant need of improvement. The Football Foundation's generous contribution and funding from other sources, such as the Albert Gubay Foundation, Booth Charities, GMP, Salix, and Irwell Valley, made this project possible. The project, which has already seen the completion of the pitch works, will significantly enhance the quality and availability of football facilities in the area. With a new 3G football turf pitch (FTP) and upgraded changing rooms, Alberts will provide a modern, well-equipped facility that the local community can enjoy for years to come. To comply with the grant conditions set by the Football Foundation, the council and Alberts have agreed to register a legal charge against the leasehold title and a title restriction on the freehold title to protect the investment from the Foundation. These measures will ensure that the funds provided will be utilised effectively for this ambitious project. Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods, Sports and Leisure, said: "We are committed to the betterment of our community, and securing this major grant for the development of new football pitches and a state-of-the-art park in Albert Park is a significant step towards achieving that goal. "Our ongoing dedication and collaborative efforts with the Broughton Trust have allowed us to secure the funding needed for this transformative project. We are excited to bring this much-needed improvement to Albert Park, providing the local community with modern and high-quality facilities that will be enjoyed for generations to come." Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. "Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. "This grant award to Salford City Council towards developing the facilities at Albert Park is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play." The council recognises the importance of this project in enhancing leisure facility availability and fostering community cohesion. Investing in improved football facilities will benefit local residents and attract players and visitors from the Greater Manchester area. Salford City Council and Alberts of Salford will continue collaborating with the Football Foundation to ensure compliance with all grant conditions. Efforts are being made to address the matter of legal fees, and if necessary, the Council will work closely with Alberts to resolve any financial implications.
