Wellesley Recreation Ground

The Council is seeking to engage the market to understand the interest of potential operators for the Wellesley Recreation Ground, Great Yarmouth.The Wellesley Recreation ground is home to Great Yarmouth Football Club, Gorleston Football Club and Great Yarmouth Athletics Club. The football clubs have been ground sharing for 18 months. Comprising an Athletics Track, a 3G 9v9 pitch, full sized grass pitch, changing facilities, a bar, club house and grandstand. Annual estimated income on the site is C£75,000. The Council would be seeking to offer a lease with a concession agreement attached to operate the site over a 25 year period the total value of the opportunity over 25 years is around £1,875,000. The Council is not seeking to financially support this arrangement and does not have the budget to support an annual operator charge, any potential operator will need to note this. Similarly, the Council seeks to pass the operating costs of the site to the operator and will not be providing a subsidy for this arrangement.There are several opportunities to develop the site comprising a new community / youth area, club house and hireable facilities as well as development of the stadium under-croft into further community or youth provision. A safe place for children and young people was highlighted as a top priority as part of the recent public and stakeholder engagement for the Long-Term Plan for Towns. Expressions of Interest should be sent to procurement@eastsuffolk.gov.uk by 31 January 2025.