Refurbishment of Changing Pavilion at Cringle Playing Fields begins

A significant refurbishment of the changing pavilion at Cringle Playing Fields is underway.

Manchester City Council, in partnership with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, is spearheading the modernisation, delivering a major investment in the city’s grassroots sports infrastructure and community wellbeing. 

The facility, managed by Kingsway Athletic FC under a proposed 25-year lease with the Council, will continue to serve both grassroots football and Gaelic Football, providing a permanent home for the club and a platform for the growth of sport, youth engagement, education, and healthy recreation in an area of high need.

The refurbishment will address barriers to participation by providing new female and accessible toilets, supporting the Council’s strategy to grow women’s and girls’ sport participation and widen access for all residents. The new layout will enable the club to become a beacon for the local community, with space for broader neighbourhood services beyond football.

The initiative which is also supported by funding from the Premier League and The FA will support Manchester’s ambitious carbon reduction agenda by decarbonising public buildings and enhancing sustainability.

Key enhancements include:

· A modern clubhouse with adaptable community spaces

· Improved privacy in changing areas, including cubicle showers and dedicated facilities for both male and female referees

· Upgraded accessibility and new baby changing facilities

· Energy-efficient measures aligned with Manchester’s carbon reduction goals

· Enhanced security and triple-glazed windows

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

“This investment is a fantastic step forward for Cringle Playing Fields and the local community. We’re ensuring that more residents, especially young people, women, and underrepresented groups can get active, connect with others and thrive. This upgrade is about investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities, widening its reach and accessibility beyond football and making sure Manchester remains a city where everyone can participate and succeed.”

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said:

“By overhauling the changing pavilion, we are providing modern, accessible facilities for grassroots football and Gaelic sport, which we know will help all those who already play sport and which should also help to encourage even more people into the game as well as helping us to deliver on our commitment to sustainability and inclusion.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added:

“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 works are now underway to deliver Cringle Playing Fields Changing Pavilion upgrade in Burnage and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”

The new facilities are expected to open in April 2026

The initiative which is also supported by funding from the Premier League, and The FA will support Manchester’s ambitious carbon reduction agenda by decarbonising public buildings and enhancing sustainability.