Rochdale AFC is set to get a new football and wellbeing hub, thanks to a partnership with Rochdale Council. The project aims to improve the 27-acre Bowlee Playing Fields site, addressing drainage issues and creating infrastructure for community sport to thrive.

What's included in the plans?

The new hub will feature a 6,000 sq ft building, including changing facilities, a gym, media area, offices, and recreation facilities. A full-size 3G artificial grass pitch will be built for the Rochdale AFC Community Trust, along with a grass training area for the football club.

How will it benefit the community?

The community sports pavilion will be operated by Your Trust, a charity focused on improving leisure and health provision in Rochdale. The pavilion will include a 40-station health and fitness gym, changing rooms, and a community room with kitchen and social space.

What's the current context for Rochdale AFC?

As of 25 Jun 2026, Rochdale AFC is currently 2nd in the National League, with 106 points from 46 games, and a recent form of DWWDL. The team is 2 points behind leaders York, and their last result was a 2-2 draw against Boreham Wood on 2026-05-10. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 2nd in National League | | Points | 106 | | Recent form | DWWDL | | Goals scored | 88 | | Goals conceded | 41 |

What comes next for the project?

The project is currently undergoing public consultation, with proposals drawn up by Pozzoni and Enabl leading the planning process. Abacus is the project manager, cost manager, and principal designer of the scheme, while FMG is the consultant for sport and leisure, and Re-form is leading on the landscape architecture.