Stapleford Community Pavilion celebrates transformational first year

Delivered through the Government’s £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund programme, the Pavilion was designed to be much more than just a sports facility. Today, it serves as a hub for health, wellbeing, learning, childcare and community activity, as well as a state-of-the art centre for football and padel.

Over the last 12 months, the Liberty Leisure run facility has welcomed more than 10,000 football spectators, hosted over 300 matches and recorded 11,000 padel sessions, while supporting hundreds of people to take part in regular sport and physical activity. 

Each week 120 young people attend the Steven Gerrard Academy, Ducklings Nursery cares for 31 children, and Pinnacle Dance delivers 21 classes attended by more than 140 young people. Conquer Learning also provided specialist educational support from the Pavilion, alongside a range of youth activities, holiday clubs and community group. This success has enabled a move into its first dedicated premises nearby at Stapleford House. 

Working with NHS partners and social prescribers, the Pavilion has become an important centre for health and wellbeing, hosting physiotherapy services, Parkinson's exercise sessions, falls prevention classes, yoga, Pilates and other programmes that help residents stay active, healthy and connected. 

More than 20 jobs have also been created across childcare, education, hospitality, leisure and sport, helping grow the local economy. 

Ian Jowett, Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said: "The success of the Stapleford Community Pavilion shows the value of investing in facilities that serve the whole community. While sport is a key part of its success, the Pavilion is helping people from all walks of life improve their health, access support services, develop skills, find employment and connect with others. It has quickly become one of Stapleford's most important community assets." 

Daniel Gammons, Business Director for Liberty Leisure, said: "The vision for Stapleford Community Pavilion was to create a welcoming hub that would benefit the whole community. One year on, it's fantastic to see that vision has become a reality, with thousands of people using the Pavilion to be active, improve their wellbeing, learn new skills and connect with others. We're proud to be part of a facility that is already making such a positive impact on Stapleford."