A state-of-the-art sports hub has officially opened in Wallsend, bringing top-tier facilities to the heart of North Tyneside.
Located at St Peter’s Playing Fields, the £4.4 million venue is widely regarded as a game changer for local football, rugby, and community sports.
Funded by the Football Foundation and North Tyneside Council, with contributions from Northumberland FA, The FA and Rugby Football League, the former St Peter’s Playing Fields has been reimagined into a multi-million-pound sports complex.
The 6.8-hectare site boasts a super sized, floodlit artificial grass pitch, four changing rooms (including one large enough for rugby teams), officials' changing rooms, community and training rooms, and kitchen facilities.
Visitors will find improved parking, a new dog-walking area, and upgraded fencing to enhance the space.
The St Peter’s Sports Hub is now a central part of North Tyneside’s sports infrastructure, serving as the new headquarters for Northumberland FA. It will also act as a premier training ground for local football and other sports teams, fostering health, fitness, and community engagement for years to come.
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, joined Mary Glindon MP at the opening.
She said: “It’s a real pleasure to see this fantastic facility now open and ready for use. This hub has been a long time coming, and despite some bumps in the road, it’s clear the effort has been worth it.
“This new venue will serve as a valuable resource for football and other sports, benefitting both our local community and sports teams. Thanks to all the partners involved, especially the Football Foundation, Northumberland FA, and Wallsend Rugby Club. I look forward to seeing it fully in action.”
Mary Glindon MP, Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, said: ”It is a real honour to be here today to see the investment that the Council, the FA, the Football Foundation and others have put in to make this happen.
“It’s a £4.4 million pound investment for people who live in Wallsend and beyond. It’s a community facility and it’s prestigious that the Northumberland FA have decided to have their headquarters here. What an accolade for Wallsend and North Tyneside.
“Newcastle United winning the cup on Sunday will surely see even more young people and older people wanting to engage in the sport. What better weekend could we have had before the opening of this facility. It’s been fantastic.”
Andrew Rose-Cook, Northumberland FA’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be the custodians of this amazing facility. It will help us to meet our strategic aims – encouraging those with mental and physical health challenges and people from communities that may not have traditionally taken part in football to become more active.
“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of players, coaches and match officials every year and giving them a fantastic football experience. We’re also looking forward to being a cornerstone of our local community here in Wallsend”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. We’re delighted that the local community in Wallsend will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the fantastic new facilities at St Peter’s Sports Hub.”
Marc Lovering, Director of Participation and Development at RFL: “We are delighted to support North Tyneside Council on this new development.
“The North East has a rich Rugby League history and Super League’s showcase event – Magic Weekend – is set to return to St James’ Park in May. This year looks to be the best yet and we would really encourage residents to come along and get involved.
“We are really looking forward to supporting the Wallsend Centurions and Eagles at the new training complex, and we wish them all the success for the future.”
For more information about the facility visit www.northumberlandfa.com.