Blackburn junior football club planning massive £340K refurbishment

A junior football club in Blackburn is planning a huge £340,000 refurbishment to improve its playing fields and facilities.

Mill Hill Juniors FC plan to make the changes to Green Lane playing fields later this year after planning permission was granted to turn a maintenance store building into a place where refreshments can be served on match days.

There are also plans to replace a roof and install new hardstanding and security fencing.

Nathan Sargeson (Image: Nathan Sargeson)

It is understood that an office area will also be created and the toilets will be renovated. Storage spaces will also be created.

Chairman of the grassroots club, Nathan Sargeson, says the changes will “future-proof” and breathe new life into the building.

Mill Hill Juniors FC’s playing field (Image: Mill Hill Juniors FC)

He said: “There is an old building that was probably initially built in the 80s and used as old dressing room.

“The kids don’t use dressing rooms anymore, they come fully dressed.

“We are renovating it into a more practical space for a junior football club.

“This will future-proof the club and also give it some sustainability as well.”

Nathan estimates that the refurbishment, as well as other renovations including those set to be made on the pitch to reduce flooding, will cost around £340,000.

He said: “The pitch is more than 30 years old now and pitches often get flooded in the winter months.

“The renovations will make a big a big difference. We will be prouder of the space and the club, in terms of how it will look and what we will be able to offer on match day.”

The proposal says: “Planning permission is sought for the refurbishment, including replacement roof, of existing maintenance store and formation of new hardstanding and perimeter security fencing; and formation of new hardstanding and siting of… storage containers and associated security fencing, as set out in the submitted drawings.

“The proposal relates to grant funding from the Football Foundation for improvements works to the pitches and provision of enhanced facilities. Storage is required for pitch maintenance tools and machinery.”

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Mill Hill Juniors FC players litter picking (Image: Mill Hill Juniors FC)

The planning application, which was approved on May 25, is subject to some conditions including limitations on when refreshments can be served.

It says: “Use of the existing storage building for serving refreshments shall be restricted to match days only, as an ancillary offer.

“The building shall not be used as an independent, stand alone, food outlet.

“[The reason for this] is in the interests of safeguarding neighbouring amenity and to guard against increased daily demand for on-site car parking.”

In an attempt to keep costs lost, the club is hoping to work with local businesses in order to source some essential items, including new windows, flooring, CCTV, appliances, furniture and beyond.

Nathan said: “This project has been ongoing since 2018 and we are at an exciting stage of it.

“If you would you like to support a great project in the community and help bring Mill Hill Juniors a newly renovated home to be proud of [please get in touch].

“Mill Hill Juniors Football is a huge grassroots club in the heart of East Lancashire. We  have provide a football pathway for children aged 3-16.

“We have more than 500 players and close to 80 volunteers. We are actively looking for a primary kit sponsor for the whole club.

“We must state that we have had great help from Campbell Driver Architects which has supported us at vital times of the project which we really appreciate.”

If your business would like to help the project please contact [email protected]