A substantial refurbishment of the changing pavilion at Cringle Playing Fields in Burnage has begun, led by Manchester City Council in partnership with the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, marking a major investment in grassroots sport and community wellbeing.

Under a proposed 25-year lease with the Council, Kingsway Athletic FC will manage the facility. It will continue to support grassroots football and Gaelic Football, giving the club a permanent base and a platform to expand sport, youth engagement, education and healthy recreation in an area of high need.

The upgrade aims to remove barriers to participation through new female and accessible toilets, backing the Council's strategy to grow women's and girls' sport and widen access for all residents. A redesigned layout will also create space for broader neighbourhood services beyond football.

The scheme, supported by funding from the Premier League and The FA, will also advance Manchester's carbon reduction ambitions by decarbonising public buildings and improving sustainability.

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Key improvements include a modern clubhouse with flexible community spaces; greater privacy in changing areas with cubicle showers and dedicated facilities for male and female referees; upgraded accessibility and new baby-changing provision; energy-efficient measures aligned with the city's carbon goals; and enhanced security with 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.