Two sports clubs to take ownership of council playing fields in first community asset transfers
The first two locations chosen as part of a programme to release council sites into community ownership will help boost investment in Windle and Earlestown.
Article date: 20 November 2025
St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet approved the first release of sites to community groups through its Community Asset Transfer Policy. They backed plans from FC St Helens for Bishop Road Playing Fields (Windle) and from Newton-le-Willows FC for King George V Playing Fields (Earlestown).
Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: "We are really pleased to be able to offer the first community asset transfer of land to both FC St Helens and Newton-le-Willows FC. The two clubs put forward exciting plans that clearly showed their dedication to the communities they serve and had business cases that will deliver a sustainable future for the sites."
Community Asset Transfer is a way that an organisation like the council can offer land and sites it no longer uses to the community. In many cases community groups will be able to access funding to invest in their local community that the council could not, and provide vital community support that residents want on their doorstep.
Each bid for transfer is assessed rigorously and has to meet a certain criteria to meet a minimum score to be considered for transfer as set out in the council's Community Asset Transfer Policy.
There were several bids also submitted for the former Broadway Leisure Centre site in West Park, but unfortunately, at this time, none met the minimum level required by the Community Asset Transfer Policy. As a result, groups are asked to resubmit plans for this site over the next six months.
Councillor McCauley added: "We would really encourage the groups to look at the potential to work together on a joint resubmission that could meet their needs and collectively could increase their ability to meet the high standards we have set for community asset transfer. We understand some may be disappointed with not succeeding at this time, but as a council we have a duty to make sure that these transfers are set out with long term security mapped out for their continued viable community use. Officers will in touch with the groups in the coming weeks to offer support on their earliest resubmissions."