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In partnership with Middlesbrough Council, the ambitious scheme, at Southlands Community and Sports Hub, which was officially opened on Friday July 17, will deliver top-class sports, education and community facilities.
The official opening was attended by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke and Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, representatives from Middlesbrough Football Club, trustees of the Foundation, the EFL and site constructors Wharton Construction.
All were impressed by what they saw on a guided tour of the new facility which will open to the public this week.
Mr Cooke commented: "This is exactly the sort of investment residents in East Middlesbrough deserve and I'm delighted we're now in a position to hand the facility over to Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation. The new Southlands site brings high-quality facilities and more importantly, opportunities right into the heart of the community.
"With the Foundation involved, it will help more people to get active, develop new skills and fulfil their potential.
"We've worked hard to get to this point because we know it will make a huge difference."
The site 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.
Staff who have previously been based at the stadium and the nearby Herlingshaw Centre since the Foundation was founded, have moved to the new building.
“We have been delighted to support Middlesbrough Council on this special project,” says head of Foundation Charlotte Dinsdale. “We aim to create opportunities which allow people to reach their potential. And to improve life chances for our communities. This facility will further demonstrate our commitment to the people of Teesside.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in bringing this project to life. That includes Garfield Weston Foundation and Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund who both contributed £100,000. Money which will help make such a difference."
The development has seen the construction of a new hub to be operated by the Foundation, an upgrade to an existing 3G pitch and the installation of a new grass football pitch, together with open spaces to support additional physical activities.
Charlotte adds: “This is a long-term investment that, in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, will help us deepen our impact in the area.
“Ally that with the fact this is the Foundation’s 30-year anniversary – and 150 years of Middlesbrough FC. These milestones aren’t just moments to celebrate - they’re a chance to create more opportunities and deliver even greater impact across our communities and make 2026 a landmark year.”
Matthew Wharton, director with Wharton Construction, added: It's been a pleasure to work with Middlesbrough FC Foundation and Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new Southlands Community Centre and Sports Hub. It's a fantastic facility, and we hope it provides lasting value for the local area for many years to come.
Late last year, Park-End born Chris Kamara - who played football at the former site as a youngster - toured the site and said: "I know first-hand how much this community loves its sport and deserves top-class facilities. Seeing the Southlands Hub take shape is emotional and exciting – it’s going to be a gamechanger for people here.”