Welcome to Blackrod Sports and Community Centre
We are a Charity that manages the Centre. The Centre sits at the centre of the Blackrod village, and offers a fantastic resource a
A community centre run for our community
Blackrod Sports and Community Centre is a registered charity providing facilities, activities, opportunities and community support for people of all ages.
Located at the heart of Blackrod, the Centre has developed into a busy community hub supporting residents from Blackrod and surrounding communities.
We are open seven days a week, with activities taking place throughout the daytime, evenings and weekends.
Our story
Blackrod Sports and Community Centre was established following a public meeting in November 2015 when local residents came together to discuss and help secure the future of Blackrod Community Centre.
The organisation formally became a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2017.
Since then, we have continued to develop the Centre, expand the activities available locally, improve our facilities and build partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to strengthening our community.
Today, the Centre brings together sport, physical activity, health and wellbeing, arts and creativity, learning, social activities and practical community support under one roof.
What happens at the Centre?
There is something happening throughout most of the week.
Our regular programme includes activities such as indoor cycling, circuit training, Pilates, strength and balance, walking football, table tennis, karate, drama, art, children’s activities, social groups and activities for older residents.
We also provide community programmes covering areas such as cooking and healthy eating, digital inclusion and ICT support, mindfulness, health awareness, community resilience and practical support.
Our timetable continues to develop as new activities and funding opportunities become available.
Free and funded activities
One of our priorities is making activities accessible to people who might otherwise face financial or other barriers to taking part.
Working with charitable funders and community partners allows us to provide a growing programme of activities and support free of charge.
Our work has been supported by organisations including The National Lottery Community Fund, Sport England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Co op, Bolton’s Fund and other local and national partners.
Their support has enabled us to provide free physical activity, health and wellbeing programmes, creative activities, cooking, digital inclusion, social opportunities and community support.
DISCOVER FREE ACTIVITIES
Our facilities
Blackrod Sports and Community Centre provides a range of flexible indoor and outdoor facilities.
Main Hall
Our large main hall includes a full sized stage and provides a flexible space for sport, exercise, performances, community activities, meetings, events and celebrations.
Meeting and Activity Space
Our separate meeting and activity space can accommodate smaller groups, meetings, training, classes and community activities.
Kitchen
Kitchen facilities support community activities, events, refreshments and our growing programme of cooking and healthy eating projects.
Football and Sports Pitches
Our full sized grass football and sports pitch supports local football clubs and community sport, including Academy Juniors FC, Blackrod AFC and walking football.
We are also developing an additional grass pitch to provide increased capacity for training, football and community physical activity.
Parking and Transport
The Centre has a large onsite car park and is accessible from surrounding communities by road and public transport.
FIND OUT ABOUT HIRING THE CENTRE
Our vision
Our vision is to provide welcoming, accessible and valued community facilities that create opportunities for everyone and contribute to the health, wellbeing and vitality of Blackrod and neighbouring communities.
Our purpose
We exist to develop, operate, manage, maintain and improve Blackrod Sports and Community Centre for the benefit of our community.
We aim to:
• Provide accessible opportunities for sport and physical activity
• Improve physical and mental health and wellbeing
• Reduce loneliness and social isolation
• Create opportunities for children, young people and families
• Support older residents to remain active and connected
• Encourage creativity, learning and skills development
• Provide practical community support
• Make activities accessible to people experiencing financial or other barriers
• Provide affordable facilities for community organisations, groups and residents
• Work collaboratively with local organisations, public services, funders and community partners
A centre for everyone
We want Blackrod Sports and Community Centre to be somewhere everyone feels welcome.
Whether you want to become more active, learn something new, meet people, join a group, access support, volunteer, hire a space or simply become more involved in your local community, we would love to welcome you.
Opening hours
We are open seven days a week.
Opening and closing times vary depending on scheduled activities, bookings and events.
Please check our current timetable for individual activity times.
Directions
By Train:
The main Manchester-Preston train runs right through Blackrod with trains stopping every hour. The Community centre is a 20 minute walk from the station, or there are regular buses (see Bus directions). On foot, exit the station and turn right. Cross the traffic lights and go up the hill. At the top, turn right along Manchester Road. After half a mile, turn left down Vicarage Road, then immediately left down Greenbarn Way. The Community Centre is on your right hand side.
By Bus:
Several buses run through Blackrod, including the 575/576 between Bolton and Wigan, and the 8A from Chorley. The Community Centre is less than a 5 minute walk from the Methodist church bus stop. From here, head south down Manchester Road, turn right down Vicarage Road, then immediately left down Greenbarn Way. The Community Centre is on your right hand side.
By car:
From junction 6 of the M61 take the exit onto A6. At the next roundabout, take the second exit to Blackrod. Turn left at the traffic lights. Continue for a mile, then turn left down Vicarage Road. Turn immediately left down Greenbarn Way. The Community Centre is on your right hand side.
