Norwich City Community Sports Foundation unveils plans for exciting new facility

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF) have unveiled plans for an exciting new facility on the site of a dis-used sports ground in Horsford.

The estimated GBP£1.1m project, which will be funded externally from a number of sources such as grants and fundraising, and not from Norwich City FC’s funds, will benefit a range of groups and individuals locally, including participants on the Foundation’s programmes for disabled and disadvantaged people, grass roots football teams such as Hellesdon FC and Horsford Youth FC, and young people on the National Citizen Service programme.

Jackie Thornton, Head of Development for CSF, said:

We’re extremely grateful to Anglian Home Improvements for surrendering their lease early and to Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council for allowing us to purchase the land, which means that we can begin work on renovating the clubhouse and pitches this year while installing residential ‘bunk boxes’, subject to the approval of our planning request.

 

There is a great deal of excitement from residents that we have spoken to and we’re really appreciative of the support for the project that we have gained during our consultation, including from Norwich International Airport, Broadland District Council, and Norfolk County FA.

Below: architect drawings of the clubhouse renovation, and existing site photos

Leader of Broadland District Council, Cllr Andrew Proctor, added:

The proposal to bring this major sporting facility to Broadland is very exciting and it has real future potential to benefit our community.

CSF is a registered charity and helps over 38,000 people a year, through various programmes, which include work with disabled and disadvantaged people in Norfolk. The Foundation has given a nod to the Canaries’ history by electing to name the facility ‘The Nest’, after their home until 1935.

Mrs Thornton said:

As soon as we put the name forward, everyone that heard it really liked the idea. As well as the historical significance to Norwich City FC, the name lends itself nicely to what we’re trying to create – a safe, nurturing environment where people can come and develop with us.

The Foundation is financially independent from Norwich City Football Club and organises a number of fundraising events, such as the celebrity football match Jamie’s Game and Run Norwich, the hugely popular 10k road race through the city centre. It is events like this, and external funding, that are essential to the sustainability of many of the Foundation’s programmes.

Mrs Thornton added:

This renovation of the site is a significant investment, and we’ve applied for a grant from the [English] Premier League [EPL] and FA Facilities Fund to make it possible, while we also hope to raise a further £200k from our fundraising activities towards the work.

In addition, CSF is exploring options for future phases of the project that would potentially include indoor sports and classroom facilities.

Norwich City FC Director, Tom Smith, who is a trustee of the charity, said:

The creation of ‘The Nest’ will turn a derelict site into a hive of activity where people can learn, grow and spread their wings. It will provide a step-change in the Foundation’s ability to reach out and help thousands of individuals regardless of age, gender or ability. It’s a fantastic project.

 

We do have aspirations to develop the site beyond this initial phase, but these further developments will only be possible if we are able to secure a large amount of financial support in the way of grants and fundraising. Once we have gauged the support that we can attract for further development, and when we receive feedback from Broadland District Council on our planning application, then we can set out our long-term vision for the site and begin our journey to achieving it.

 

It’s important to note that the Football Club’s funds will not be used for this development, but the Club will work closely with the Foundation on a number of initiatives to bring The Nest to life. We are proud to be a community Club, and City fans can be proud that their Club and the Foundation are committed to investing in the future of people across Norfolk and East Anglia.

An overview of the planning application can be found online at: www.thenest.org.uk

The land has been acquired by The Nest – Norfolk’s Community Hub, which is a subsidiary company of the Community Sports Foundation (CSF). The planning application has also been made by The Nest.

Enquiries about the project should be made to info@communitysportsfoundation.org.uk, FAO Jackie Thornton.