Heaton Park protest over £2.3 million sports centre plan (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Heaton Park protest over £2.3 million sports centre plan

9:02am Thursday 9th July 2009

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MORE than 150 people gathered in Heaton Park in Prestwich to protest over a proposed £2.3 million sports centre.

And their message was: “Good plan, wrong place”.

The rally was organised by Save Heaton Park, a group of park neighbours against the scheme from sports firm Goals Soccer Centres (GSC).

Last week, the Guide revealed that, after months of speculation, GSC had formally applied to build the complex near to the park’s bowling pavilion.

If Manchester City Council give GSC permission, it would be allowed to build 13 mini football pitches, six courts for tennis and netball, and skateboarding and climbing facilities, as well as a bar.

At the protest, Holyrood ward councillor Tim Pickstone said: “More sports facilities are great, but this is in completely the wrong place.

“The park has been here for the people of North Manchester and Prestwich for over 100 years.

“It’s open parkland where people can play football, have a picnic, walk the dog or play in the sun. All of this will be lost forever.”

Paul Toner, of St Margaret’s Road, added: “None of us are opposed to sports facilities, but the impact of this development on the local area would be terrible — parking, traffic, illuminated pitches.”

Several local schools have indicated they would be in favour of the plan because GSC would allow pupils to play there for free during the day.

After the protest, a GSC spokesman said: “We are satisfied that we have said all we need to say on this matter for the moment.”

The council will reach a decision by September 16.

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