URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7761

Decision Maker: Executive Director Communities and Neighbourhoods (Andrew Donaldson)

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To authorise the Council to participate, alongside Whiston Juniors FC, in the Football Foundation’s ‘Home Advantage’ Programme leading to a Community Asset Transfer of the Windy Arbor Road Playing Fields site, including the grant of a lease of 27 years, to Whiston Juniors FC in accordance with the Council's established policy as outlined in this report. In addition, to authorise the Council to accept a grant of up to £0.025m in relation to costs incurred in the Asset Transfer process.  

Content: To authorise the Council to participate, alongside Whiston Juniors FC, in the Football Foundation’s ‘Home Advantage’ Programme leading to a Community Asset Transfer of the Windy Arbor Road Playing Fields site, including the grant of a lease of 27 years, to Whiston Juniors FC in accordance with the Council's established policy as outlined in this report. In addition, to authorise the Council to accept a grant of up to £0.025m in relation to costs incurred in the Asset Transfer process.   That The Executive Director (Communities and Neighbourhoods) in consultation with The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods:   a)    Seek approval to explore the Community Asset Transfer of Windy Arbor Road Playing Fields to Whiston Juniors Football Club;   b)    Authorise the Council to agree to participate alongside Whiston Juniors FC in the Football Foundation’s ‘Home Advantage’ Programme and accept a grant of up to £0.025m towards costs related to this; and   c)    Authorise the Head of Legal Services to enter any necessary legal agreements   Whiston Juniors FC have been based at the Windy Arbor Road Playing Fields for many years, during which time they have committed voluntary and financial resources to the positive maintenance of the site, whilst also facilitating a significant level of community football activity on the site.   The Club has been a key partner in ensuring that the site is one of Knowsley's highest quality community football facilities. The proposed Community Asset Transfer to Whiston Juniors FC offers a sustainable management model to viably ensure not only ongoing maintenance of the site but also continued positive public benefit from the site.   The alternative option not exploring a Community Asset Transfer and the Council directly managing the facility was rejected as the Council does not have the resources to proactively manage this sports facility. Not engaging with the Home Advantage Programme was rejected as the programme unlocks a significant amount of funding, which is not available from other sources, to improve the site and cover the costs of a Community Asset Transfer. Engagement with other potential football clubs as managing bodies was rejected in view of the existing partnership commitment between the Council and Whiston Juniors FC, as a result of their longstanding and previous investment in the site.  

Date of Decision: October 28, 2025