Avro FC stadium funding support

Thanks to Rob Fuller and the team at AVRO FC for taking the time to talk through plans to improve the Whitebank Road ground.

Since the move to Whitebank Road a number of years ago a great deal of effort has gone into transforming the former Oldham Town FC ground and clubhouse into a thriving community hub.

It is now home to AVRO FC, Hollinwood Juniors, Mancunian Unity FC, Oldham Athletic Women and Girls, Oldham Athletic Youth and Academy Be Inspired Football academy, and is now diversifying with the Anthony Crolla Boxing Gym.

It’s fair to say that it has been a journey to balance the needs of local residents who welcome the community facility but are impacted by issues such as parking and lighting, and it’s clear there is an ongoing commitment to work to ensure any issues are managed, and with investment minimised.

The club is now embarking on an application to the Community Ownership Fund which I have been keen to see more of its allocation brought into Oldham.

If successful it will see additional facilities for use by the local community, more onsite car parking with access directly into the ground, boundary screening, and improvements to the stand for accessibility and visual appearance, all of which will be better for the users of the ground and hopefully local residents.

Now a number of years on the ground has substantially improved, a modernised clubhouse open most days to the whole community.

There will need to be ongoing community engagement with residents nearby because the facility is a benefit to the borough which should be supported.

I wish them well with the funding application.