News on Cambridge Community Sporting Trust

In 2006 Cambridgeshire Horizons were commissioned by local authorities to undertake a regionalMajor Sports Facility Strategy which identified principally the need for a community stadium alongsideother sports provision which were lacking in the region. The Majority of Cambridgeshire's sportsfacilities were not accessible to the public. In 2008 a further report was commissioned on the possibleprovision of a new community stadium in the City, outlining the justification of need and potential sites.

In April 2010 Grosvenor acquired the freehold and leasehold interest at the 5.9 acre Abbey Stadium site,retaining the tenancy of Cambridge United Football Club who continues to occupy under long leasehold.The long term aim being the relocation of the club to a new stadium which would act as a centre piece ina new Sporting Village, providing the additional sporting facilities identified in the reports.

Grosvenor commissioned Pan Leisure, a specialist sports and leisure consultant, in 2010 to take a look at the local,regional and national sporting provisions and requirements. Key recommendations of the report echoed the findingsof Cambridgeshire Horizons Major Sports Facility Strategy and identified a need for a community stadium, indoor sports halland a variety of all weather pitches . In addition Cambridge has no commercial 5-a-side which presents a clearopportunity alongside a shortage of conferencing facilities. As a result, the plan for the Cambridge Sporting Village wasdeveloped. This is a project that aims to provide a new community stadium and sporting village that addresses Cambridgeshire'sidentified requirements. The project will reflect and redefine what we mean by a 'Community Stadium', it will provide acommitment beyond football.

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