A wider role for sport: community sports hubs and urban regeneration

Abstract

In recent years, sport has emerged as a catalyst of regeneration. However, much focus has been on event-related regeneration, with the use of smaller scale sports infrastructure for this purpose receiving less attention. This paper focuses on the contribution of community sports hubs to urban regeneration. Using evidence from a case study of Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub (OJNH) in the UK, it examines the intended sporting, economic, social, physical and environmental outcomes of the project and evaluates whether these are being achieved. The paper argues that although there is evidence to suggest that as a sustainable sports facility, OJNH is achieving its sporting objectives; the regeneration impacts of the project are more variable. The paper concludes that while community sports hubs have the potential to create wider societal impacts, there is a need for further evidence to support the case and leverage maximum benefits for the local community in the longer term.