Davy ensures Sport for All at Former YMCA Complex

Huddersfield Giants Owner, philanthropist and local Businessman Ken Davy, has purchased the sporting complex formerly known as the Huddersfield YMCA, from the administrators and handed back the running of the site, rent free, to the Lindley Borough Community Club (LBCC). At the same time tasking the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust with the further development of the site, with the aim of enhancing the current offerings and providing world class sporting facilities, as well as being a community hub.

The site and facilities were placed into Administration in September 2019, however purchase by Ken Davy has assured the future of the complex for the wider community.

For the existing 600 plus members of the Lindley Borough Community Club this will be a huge relief, and whilst previously the complex focused on rugby and football, the LBCC plan to widen the range of activities on offer, with community gardens, book clubs and craft groups, to name but a few. Given the need for socialisation after months of lockdown and the positive impact on mental health the new activities can offer, the LBCC are keen for many more Huddersfield residents to see the facilities as somewhere they can go all year round and find something to interest them.

Lindley Borough Community Club Board member, Steve Graley commented,

“While rugby and football will remain the cornerstones of the complex, we are committed to building the Club so that it appeals to many more people. From after school clubs to live music events, we have the space and ability to be a central hub for the wider community. A welcoming place where people can gather to play, socialise and maybe even try something new. However, we do need to give special thanks to our existing members for their patience and loyalty in recent years, without their support we would not be here today”.

The LBCC Board is made up of volunteers who are long standing club members and supporters of the complex; all Board members have solid commercial experience and are delighted to have secured the long term future of the site thanks to Ken Davy, and the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust. The facilities will be run by the Board, who plan to apply for Charity Status for the LBCC, ensuring it remains viable for the interests of the wider community. The current gym on site – HD3 Fitness – has not been affected by the recent changes, meaning all fitness centre facilities remain unchanged, though of course the hospitality facilities remain temporarily closed until Government Covid restrictions are lifted.

The Huddersfield Giants Community Trust plan to launch a fund raising drive in order to develop a first class 4G pitch for the use of both the LBCC and the Huddersfield Giants along with the wider community. The longer term plan being the Salendine Nook site becoming the permanent ‘training home’ of the Huddersfield Giants.   

While the last 12 months have been tough for many, the Board at LBCC are determined to make the Club a place of positivity, a place to meet with old friends and make new ones, offering the whole of Huddersfield a venue that they can come along and enjoy, no matter what their age, physical ability or sporting preference. Lindley Borough Community Club offers a warm welcome to all.

Speaking on behalf of the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust, Trustee Richard Thewlis said,

“This is another magnificent gesture by the Davy family for the benefit of everyone in the area. The YMCA complex has for many years, been a focal point for sport and to think it could have fallen by the wayside in an area that is crying out for improved sports facilities, would have been unthinkable. The task now is to enhance and improve every aspect of the offering and facilities”.

“The first phase of the development will be a state of the art, 4G all weather surface suitable for Premiership Rugby Union, Bet Fred Super League Rugby League and football to FA standards, and the fundraising for this has now begun. This is a site that deserves the support of all who have sport and the well being of the community at heart. In the longer term if we can move the Giants first team training up there as another anchor tenant alongside the LBCC we will do so, however there are a number of hurdles to overcome before that can become a reality.”

The Giants Community Trust already successfully runs an indoor play centre and five a side pitches (The Zone) and the Salendine Nook complex, with its huge outdoor spaces, bring an exciting new dimension. The Trust runs education, dance, NCS and fitness all of which could be extended. The development plans will benefit everyone at the Lindley Borough Community Club, along with the Huddersfield Giants, and the wider Huddersfield community, all of whom can utilise and enjoy the new facilities.

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