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Search the Public Notice PortalPopular playing fields could be leased to to an external organisation for up to 25 years under plans aimed at transforming the site into a major community sports hub.
A report due before Bolton Council's Cabinet on November 9 recommends seeking a long-term tenant to take over the management, maintenance and regeneration of the Harper Green Playing Fields in Farnworth, with the aim of securing external investment and bringing the playing fields back into wider community use.
Council officers say the site, which is currently not actively being hired out while its future is determined, has the potential to become a "thriving, multi-sport community hub" offering affordable access to sport and healthy activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Council report said: "Harper Green Playing Fields is a valued community asset with strong potential for multi-sport, community use and healthy outcomes.
"Although the site is currently not being actively hired out whilst its future use is being determined, it remains a strategic community asset with significant potential for future investment and enhanced community use.
"The Council aims to secure a proposal and investment that delivers long term positive outcomes on this site."
The proposal forms part of Farnworth's Pride in Place programme, through which the area is set to receive £19.536 million over 10 years for community improvements. The report states that funding has been earmarked to help regenerate the playing fields up to 2030.
Plans for the site include improving sports provision beyond football, renovating or replacing the existing all-weather pitch, creating new opportunities for community activities, skills training and volunteering, and delivering environmental and biodiversity improvements.
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Council officers argue that transferring the site to an external operator would reduce the authority's financial liabilities while giving the successful organisation a better opportunity to attract grants and investment.
Under the proposed arrangement, the tenant would take responsibility for all repair, maintenance and operating costs.
If approved, the site would be marketed this winter, with a preferred operator expected to be selected in spring 2027.
Regeneration work could then begin in summer 2027.
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