Trafford Council and Trafford Leisure are exploring the possibility of transferring the ownership of the Old Trafford Sports Barn (OTSB) on Seymour Park through a Community Asset Transfer.

Trafford Council and Trafford Leisure are exploring the possibility of transferring the ownership of the Old Trafford Sports Barn (OTSB) on Seymour Park through a Community Asset Transfer.

The Council, in line with its objectives, is seeking to transfer the centre to an organisation or group of organisations to help safeguard and develop the facility, promoting community involvement and engagement.

As part of the process, the council is asking interested parties to submit a business case. The council is keen to ensure these submissions reflect what residents want and need from Old Trafford Sports Barn, to that end we are inviting residents to complete this short survey, so we can include this information in the process. Please go to https://trafford.citizenspace.com/finance-and-systems/old-trafford-sports-barn-consultation to take part in the consultation.

The popular leisure centre, which opened in 2006, serves a diverse community with facilities including a sports hall, outdoor artificial all-weather pitch, outdoor hard courts, and disabled changing facilities.

Cllr Jo Harding, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships, said: “Trafford Council wants to sustain the Old Trafford Sports Barn for future generations in a way that promotes community involvement and engagement and we feel the best way to do this is by exploring a transfer of ownership.

“We are now looking for interested community-focused organisations to get in touch with us and explain how and why they would like to run this amazing facility. The Council is, of course, totally committed to providing top-class health and fitness facilities across the borough and we have proved that by investing millions into upgrading main sports centres across the borough.”

The Council is now inviting interested parties to attend a special open day at the centre on September 13, 2022. To book a slot for the open day please email traffordmoving@trafford.gov.uk. Following the open day, all attendees and interested parties will be invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest in the project this should be received by Trafford Council no later than Noon/Midday 12 pm September 19, 2022.

In 2020, Trafford Council successfully transferred the ownership of Urmston’s George Carnall Leisure Centre to the community – a move which has proved hugely successful.