Local people were joined by England sporting legend Dave Watson to celebrate the official opening of Stapleford’s brand-new state-of-the-art £7.5m Community Pavilion and sports pitches today (Tuesday 28 October).
Dave, from Stapleford, started his footballing career at Notts County before going on to win 65 caps for England, plus an FA Cup and League Cup.
The Pavilion, located at the Hickings Lane Recreation Ground, has been funded through the Government’s £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund investment, plus a £1.4 million grant for the sports pitches from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
The fully accessible, energy-efficient, multi-use building and sports facilities, run by Broxtowe Borough Council’s leisure operating company, Liberty Leisure, have been designed for people of all ages to come together to meet, learn, play and keep fit, featuring:
- Insight Community Café
- Ducklings Pop Out and Play Nursery
- Five multi-use event and activity spaces
- The Dave Watson 11-a-side 3G all-weather pitch
- The Mary Earps seven-a-side multi-use pitch
- Changing rooms and classrooms
- Health Hub gym
- Three padel courts (coming soon)
The Community Pavilion is also home to the Steven Gerrard Academy, the first UK base outside the northwest, which delivers football training and education while supporting the health, wellbeing and future careers of young people.
Stapleford legend, former professional footballer Dave Watson, was central to the celebrations, with the largest sports pitch bearing his name. Dave won his 65 caps for England between 1974-1982, captaining three times, also playing for Notts County, Rotherham United, Sunderland, Manchester City, Werder Bremen, Southampton, Stoke City, Vancouver Whitecaps and Derby County.
Penny Watson MBE, Dave Watson’s wife, said:
“Dave is enormously proud and honoured that his hometown has recognised his footballing achievements by naming the main pitch at Hickings Lane after him. Growing up on Pasture Road in a busy house of 10, he spent countless hours playing football with friends. From Stapleford Old Boys here at Hickings Lane, to captaining England, Dave’s illustrious career proves that dreams really can come true.
“With these fantastic facilities and the new Community Pavilion, we hope many more will be inspired to follow in his footsteps. Dave never forgot his roots and it’s heartwarming that this legend of ‘Stabbo’ will be remembered for years to come.”
Paul Sweeney, Vice Chair of Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said:
“The opening of the Stapleford Community Pavilion and its sports facilities is a landmark moment for the town. It’s the single biggest investment in the town in recent history, giving residents of all ages a place to come together, get active and enjoy everything our community has to offer. It is a real investment in Stapleford’s future.”
Cllr Milan Radulovic MBE, Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said:
“The completion of the fantastic Stapleford Community Pavilion represents a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the town and wider Borough.
“This modern, inclusive facility demonstrates our commitment to investing in local infrastructure that supports health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Through the Stapleford Towns Fund and strong partnership working, we are delivering lasting benefits that will serve residents 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.
“We’re delighted that the local community in Stapleford will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Hickings Lane.”
