Work has started on the long-awaited development of a new community and sports hub in East Middlesbrough.
Wharton Construction are now on site preparing the ground for the state-of-the-art new hub, which will replace the former Southlands Centre on Ormesby Road.
Led by Middlesbrough Council – in partnership with ourselves – we will relocate staff from our Riverside Stadium HQ to run the centre – the ambitious scheme will deliver top-class sports, education and community facilities.
It will provide a base for grassroots football, youth programmes, mentoring, employability training and more – supporting people of all ages to get active, gain new skills and connect with their community.
Charlotte Dinsdale, Head of MFC Foundation, is delighted work is underwa,y commenting: “It’s always good when you see a spade in the ground on projects like this. It makes it real.
“I know we’re not quite over the line yet, there are a couple of small hurdles to negotiate, but I’d like to thank everyone who is playing a part in bringing this project to life and that very much includes Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund whose £100,000 grant will help make such a difference.
“We are delighted to be supporting Middlesbrough Council on this special project. We exist to raise aspirations and improve life chances for our communities, and when complete, this facility will further demonstrate our commitment to the people of Teesside.”
At its inception, the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund pledged £6 million over six years to improve infrastructure and unlock community impact through the power of football.
Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community, added: “The impact of the Sky Bet grants goes far beyond football. They represent aspirations for health, opportunities, and belonging in our communities —everything that our EFL Club charities strive to deliver. We’re incredibly proud of the work being done already thanks to these grants and are grateful to Sky Bet for their continued investment in our communities.”
The development’s first phase will see the construction of a new hub to be operated by the Foundation, as well as an upgrade to the current 3G pitch and the installation of a new grass football pitch, together with open spaces to support additional physical activities.
A second phase of the scheme could see further extensions and improvements to the site.
Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke said: “This marks real progress and shows our commitment to investing in East Middlesbrough.
“The new community hub is about much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about giving people better chances to be active, learn and thrive.
“One of the key pledges in my Council plan is to ensure Middlesbrough is a Healthy Place, and this project is one of the best ways we can deliver that.”
Matthew Wharton, from Wharton Construction, added: “We’re delighted to be delivering this important project and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Council and MFC Foundation in the coming months.
“We know how much this site means to local people, and we’re committed to a development that the community can be proud of.”
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Regeneration, added: “This is a huge step forward. It’s great to see spades in the ground and real momentum on site.
“Having played for Middlesbrough as a youth, I understand how important football – and the club – is to Middlesbrough.
“It’s important that local people have access to excellent sports and learning facilities on their doorstep to help create the stars of the future.”
It’s likely that the new centre will be ready to open its doors in early summer 2026.
