PRESS RELEASE – PUBLIC STATEMENT
New sports facilities explored for Sheringham
A possible new cricket and football centre is being explored for Sheringham, to replace the Sports Pavilion, located near The Reef Leisure Centre, on Weybourne Road (see attached plan (No 1)).
Sheringham Town Council and Sheringham Sports Association have been looking into refurbishing and extending the 1990s Sports Pavilion but have recognised that upgrading the building to make it fit for purpose as a modern multi-sport building would be both challenging and costly. It remains an option, but the Town Council and the Sports Association have now started to explore whether a new sports hub might be a better way forward. Any new hub would have purpose built modern facilities – and pitches that would be at least as good – and numerous – as the existing site
Yesterday (17th June 2025) Sheringham Town Council agreed to work with the Sheringham Sports Association to investigate the potential new development. Initial work suggests there could be scope for a new hub to be created south of the Sheringham High School and Woodfields school site (see attached plan (No 2)). Developing the Sports Hub here would provide for better sports provision than is currently available in Sheringham, and allow for future growth of Sheringham Football Club and Sheringham Cricket Club.
Initial discussions have been held with the three main landowners (North Norfolk District Council, Sheringham Town Council and the Upcher Trust) and all parties have decided they should look at the potential in more detail. Sheringham Town Council has engaged architects Chaplin Farrant to look into the options. All partners realise that this is an ambitious proposal and that some built development, such as housing, would also be needed to fund it. If the proposal were to happen, then it is likely that the current site would be redeveloped for housing or for employment purposes.
If the conclusion of the next phase of work is that the better option would be to continue with the refurbishment plans for the current Pavilion, then that option will be pursued as quickly as possible thereafter.
An update is expected to be provided at the Sheringham Town Council meeting in October 2025 – at which point options should be available, and extensive public engagement can begin thereafter, prior to any planning application(s) being made – and alongside the production of a detailed business case. In advance of that, detailed discussions will be held with key partners including the District Council, Upper Sheringham Parish Council, sports organisations in the area and the adjacent schools.
If members of the public would like to comment on the proposal at this stage then comments should be sent to info@sheringhamtowncouncil.gov.uk or posted to Town Clerk, Sheringham Community Centre, Holway Road, Sheringham, NR268NP.
Councillor Peter Ratcliffe from Sheringham Town Council said:
“This project could be really exciting. It is big and ambitious and we now want to know whether it is achievable. We are ambitious for sport in Sheringham – which is why we are keen to investigate whether this existing alternative can be delivered. We are at a really early stage with this project, but we are launching it publicly now so that local people know what we are doing and have the opportunity to get involved. So, if you have views on this idea – please do let us know.”
Paul Middleton from Sheringham Sports Association said:
“The existing site has served football and cricket well in Sheringham for over 30 years, but realistically, we are limited in what we can deliver by the age and layout of the building and the size of the site. Clearly there is little point investing considerable money in an existing facility if the better option would be to move the whole thing somewhere else. Whatever happens, we are committed to continue to provide appropriate facilities for football and cricket – and potentially other sports – in Sheringham. If the project cannot go forward, we are still committed to investing in improving our current site.”
Henry Cockerton on behalf of the Upcher Estate said:
“‘On behalf of the estate I can confirm that we will be pleased to progress this exciting opportunity for the town and the estate to the mutual benefit of all involved’.
Cllr Liz Withington from North Norfolk District Council said:
“This is clearly an ambitious and complex proposal, which could result in a big boost for sport in the Sheringham area and therefore we commend the Town Council and Sports Association for their commitment to look at it. We look forward to being involved in the discussions. We are particularly excited by the opportunities that might exist for a new sports hub to be adjacent to – and work with – the sports and community facilities at the school(s) site to the north.”
Issued by: Sheringham Town Council and Sheringham Sports Association
Issue Date: 18th June 2025
