Land deal secures football club’s future

A North Yorkshire football club has secured the long-term future of its home after being gifted three acres of land ahead of its 80th anniversary.

Whitby-based Fishburn Park Football Club has received the land off Stainsacre Lane from Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water.

The club has used the site for many years as a tenant and will now take ownership ahead of its anniversary celebrations next year.

Fishburn Park FC provides football for a range of age groups alongside men’s and women’s teams.

Allan Burnett, president of Fishburn Park FC, said: “Fishburn Park has been part of this community for generations and to have the security of our own land as we approach our 80th anniversary is something we are incredibly proud of.  

“I don’t think any other club in town owns their own pitch, so this is fantastic for us.

“Keyland has worked with us throughout the development of the Broomfields Farm site and has always recognised that the football club is about more than just football. 

“We provide a place for people to come together, for young people to play sport and for families to be part of something local. 

“This is a fantastic gesture from Keyland and one that will make a real difference to the future of the club. 

“We are very grateful and are looking forward to celebrating our 80th anniversary knowing that the club has a secure future.”

The land sits next to Keyland’s wider 24-acre Broomfields Farm development, where planning permission has been granted for up to 290 homes.

The first phase was sold to Barratt Homes in 2021 and has since been completed.

Keyland sold the second phase to Brierley Homes earlier this year, with 49 affordable, low-carbon homes planned following the granting of detailed planning permission.

The scheme is supported by £2.6 million of Government Towns funding secured through the Whitby Town Deal Board.

Catherine Cairns, land and development manager at Keyland Developments, added: “We have had a close relationship with the club for many years. 

“They have been extremely supportive throughout the development process and have understood the benefits that bringing new homes and investment to the area can bring.

“Once the two phases of development had been successfully delivered, we felt it was important to give something back. 

“We hope it gives Fishburn Park FC the security it needs for the future and helps it continue the work it does in the community for many years to come.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.