Resident frustrated as new sports hub stays shut
BBCA man living on a housing estate said he was disappointed a community centre, football pitches and sports courts remained closed 18 months after being built.
The facilities, which also include changing rooms and parking, were completed in January 2025 as part of Towcester Grange, a housing development in Towcester, Northamptonshire.
Yet they remain closed because of a dispute over payment between Towcester Town Council and West Northamptonshire Council, according to the site's developer Persimmon.
Lee Tyrrell, who has lived on the estate since August 2024, said: "This estate is full of children that need something to do and it is just a shame it is not being utilised."
A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said: "The football pitches, along with the community centre, have been signed off by West Northamptonshire Council.
"The commuted sum was paid in June 2025 and the transfer to Towcester Town Council is imminent.
"We understand that there may have been a delay regarding the transfer of the commuted sums between authorities."
A commuted sum is a financial contribution paid by developers to local authorities to cover the long-term maintenance costs of the facilities.
"It's been very well publicised that it was going to be here, but it is quite disappointing that it still hasn't been handed over yet.
"I think there's a lack of sort of big public spaces for people to use and I think especially as a new mum there are lots of clubs and things that mums could go to and it would help with getting us out and about," a resident, who the BBC has agreed not to name, said.
Towcester Town Football Club said it was also disappointed by the ongoing delays, as it meant the team could not access the facilities and the club was recently told it had to leave its current home.
Paul Baylis, the club's development officer, said: "We currently have between 60 and 80 children on our waiting list, all eager to play, while our facilities continue to operate at capacity.
"For two years we have asked to be part of the working group and to meet with the town council but have been ignored. [The facilities have] been sat empty for two years."
Towcester Town Council said: "We are working closely with West Northamptonshire Council to ensure all legal arrangements are in place and that financial risks and liabilities are properly addressed.
"This includes securing the commuted sums in line with the Section 106 agreement, which are essential for the sustainable future of the facilities.
"Our priority remains to enable the site to be brought into use for the community as soon as it is safe and viable to do so."
West Northamptonshire Council said: "The council is aware of the situation and is involved in discussions with the town council to seek to progress the matter."
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