Warrington approves Orford Park sports project

Warrington council has backed the masterplan to turn Orford Park into a community sports village.

A partnership of public, private and voluntary sector organisations plans to transform 50 acres of former landfill next to the A49 into a range of leisure, health, and education facilities such as football pitches, a rugby academy and a library.

Cllr Ian Marks, leader of the council, said: "We have reached a major milestone in this ground breaking project and are now one step nearer to making the vision a reality. Our vision for Orford Park is about regenerating the whole area and increasing the health, well-being and empowerment of the local population. The project itself represents a powerful message about the ongoing development of Warrington and growing sense of identity and pride."

The North West Development Agency has approved an investment of £3.6m in the project. Other partners in the scheme include Sport England and the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity, which has awarded the Orford Park project its maximum grant of £1m. Warrington Wolves will locate its academy and training facilities on site.