Bridgend Council has recently approved a 35-year ground lease for a local football club, along with funding to support the construction of a new pavilion. Llangenior FC, known for their longstanding history in the Bridgend area, currently operate from Llangeinor Playing Field with nine active football teams spanning various age groups. After a meeting of Bridgend Council’s cabinet in July, the club will now receive a long-term lease on the playing field and pavilion for 35 years through the Community Asset Transfer scheme.
In addition to the ground lease, the football club will be granted around £150,000 in council funding, supplemented by £280,000 from the Cymru Football Foundation. This financial support will enable the club to demolish and rebuild the existing pavilion, which had been closed due to its poor condition. The club aims to create a new, modern facility that will cater to both existing and new users efficiently.
Furthermore, the approved funding will also allow the club to potentially develop the playing field further in the future, subject to securing additional financial resources. Without this support, the facility would likely have remained closed. Members of the council unanimously approved the decision and also requested a report on the future of the Community Asset Transfer Fund, which has already allocated approximately £1.7 million to various schemes.
The initiative to sign off on the ground lease and provide funding for the football club’s new pavilion signals a significant step towards enhancing local sports infrastructure and promoting community engagement. The commitment to support grassroots sports reflects the council’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and active community in Bridgend.