New 3G pitch and inclusive facilities planned for Northburn Sports & Community Centre
Current grass pitch at Northburn Sports & Community Centre
Northburn Sports & Community Centre in Cramlington is set to benefit from a £1.3 million investment for the installation of a new state‑of‑the‑art 3G football pitch.
Just under £1 million of the investment has been awarded by the Football Foundation, which has issued a formal offer letter to support the delivery of the new 3G pitch.
Planning permission for the pitch is currently being prepared for submission.
The new 3G pitch will replace the existing grass surface and is designed to significantly increase participation and overall use. Unlike a grass surface, the 3G pitch will be more resilient to poor weather and ground conditions, meaning fewer cancellations and more consistent access for players and the wider community.
The 3G pitch will be carefully designed, with its orientation adjusted to run parallel to the road. Planned improvements to the pitch and wider site will also include additional car parking and upgraded floodlighting, with lights repositioned and rotated to prevent the impact on surrounding properties.
The pitch will be managed by Northumberland County Council and will be open for community use and public bookings. A wide range of sessions will be delivered on the pitch, including:
sessions for women and girls
walking football
sessions for players of all abilities
opportunities for vulnerable groups to engage with sport
Cramlington United, the site’s primary partner, is contributing £50,000 towards the project and is committed to using the new pitch to support inclusive pathways into football. While the club will use the pitch for training and matches, it will remain a shared community facility, with availability for hire by other organisations and groups.
The decision to replace the current pitch follows strong local demand for football provision in Cramlington. Research carried out by Northumberland FA and the Football Foundation identified a shortfall in the area and highlighted the Northburn site as being well placed to deliver long‑term community outcomes, supported by its existing facilities and strong partnerships.
Helen Beales, Head of Operations at Northumberland FA said: “Cramlington has a thriving football community and this much needed new 3G pitch will ensure current and future generations of players have the best possible facilities. This project was identified within the local football facility planning process and we are delighted to have worked with all the partners involved to see it come to life.”
This investment complements improvements already planned to the 3G pitch at Cramlington Learning Village as part of the wider school redevelopment, helping to strengthen football provision across the town.
Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:
“Once complete, the improved Northburn Sports & Community Centre will provide modern, high‑quality facilities that support sport, wellbeing and inclusion, ensuring the site can meet the needs of the community both now and well into the future.”
Additional funding is being sought to develop the wider Northburn site, with a focus on making the site more inclusive and accessible, particularly for people with disabilities and complex needs.
These additions will build on the centre’s existing disability programme, expanding provision and widening access for people with a broader range of support needs.
Wayne Daley, County Councillor for Cramlington North said: “It’s great to see this fantastic scheme progressing. It’s going to bring so many benefits to the local community.”
Subject to planning permission being granted, construction is expected to begin in November 2026.
This is one of many schemes happening in Cramlington, including the Cramlington Regeneration Programme. The County Council and Cramlington Town Council have worked with partners and stakeholders listening to feedback from the community through the Cramlington Conversation to develop projects to make the town even better for residents, visitors and businesses.
