Accrington Stanley Community Trust (ASCT) is pleased to announce plans to develop a new £1.6 million community football facility at the Livingstone Road site, adjacent to the Wham Stadium.

The proposed development will transform the site into a modern, high-quality grassroots football hub, featuring:

  • A new full-size floodlit 3G artificial pitch
  • A natural grass pitch
  • On-site car parking
  • A modular building including catering and toilet facilities

The project represents further significant investment in local infrastructure by ASCT and is designed to enhance opportunities for grassroots football and wider community participation across Accrington and the surrounding area.

ASCT is working closely with the Football Foundation to secure a substantial grant towards the construction costs, alongside ongoing collaboration with Hyndburn Council, with a formal planning application expected to be submitted in the coming months.

As part of the plans, current leaseholders Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC will vacate their existing lease to enable ASCT to secure a new long-term agreement on the site. This long-term lease will provide the Trust with the stability required to unlock significant external funding and deliver the proposed development. The project will be delivered in partnership with the current tenants, ensuring continuity and long-term benefit for the local football community.

The scheme is currently progressing through the necessary legal processes, with detailed designs for the site being developed.

Subject to completion of these stages, construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027, with the new facility expected to open in late Summer 2027.

Martin Fearon, CEO of Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:

“This is a hugely exciting development for both Accrington Stanley Community Trust and the local community. The Livingstone Road project represents a significant step forward in our long-term ambition to enhance local sports infrastructure and provide high-quality facilities that can support participation at all levels.

We are pleased to be working closely with the Football Foundation and Hyndburn Council to bring this project forward, and to be collaborating with Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC to deliver a facility that builds on the strong foundations already in place at the site.

This development will not only support grassroots football, but also create wider opportunities for community engagement, health and wellbeing, ensuring the site can meet the needs of the area for many years to come.”

Craig Jenel, Chairman of Accrington Football and Sports Club CIC, said:

“We are proud to have played a role in developing football at Livingstone Road over many years, and we fully support these plans to take the site to the next level.

Working alongside Accrington Stanley Community Trust, we believe this project will deliver a first-class facility for the local community and grassroots game. While stepping away from our current lease is a significant decision, it is the right one to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of the site.

We look forward to continuing to work in partnership and supporting the success of this exciting new development.”

Warren Eastham, CEO of Accrington Stanley FC and Trustee of ASCT, said:

“Grassroots football is the very lifeblood of the entire football pyramid. When games are being called off week after week and leagues are disrupted because teams can’t complete fixtures, it highlights the urgent need for better facilities.

That’s why this project is so important. The Football Foundation, our Community Trust, Hyndburn Borough Council and the grassroots game are all coming together with a shared purpose, to make a real, lasting difference for people across the borough.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the plans come to life, getting children off their Xboxes and back out playing sport, where they belong. It’s also fantastic to see continued investment into the town from the Football Foundation, underlining their commitment to our community and the future of the game.”

Further updates will be provided over the coming months.