Lease Extension Approved for Grayfields Recreation Ground to Enable New Sports Development

Padel Courts and 3G Pitch Plans Drive Grayfields Lease Extension

Grayfields Lease to FC Hartlepool Extended to Enable New Sports Development

22nd Jan 2026

Hartlepool Borough Council has approved an extension to the lease of The Grayfields Recreation Ground in Jesmond Road Hartlepool, supporting long-term investment and development at one of the town’s key community sports sites.

The decision, approved on the 12th of January 2026 under delegated authority, extends the existing Community Asset Transfer lease held by FC Hartlepool, originally granted in 2021 on a 25-year peppercorn rent basis.

The lease extension reportedly now enables a programme of new development on the site, including six padel tennis courts, A clubhouse extension with terrace and balcony, A full-size 3G pitch & Security fencing around the junior pitches.

A key part of the plans are said to include the creation of a new padel tennis facility to be delivered through a third-party commercial partner, bringing private investment into the site and expanding the range of sports available to the local community.

Hartlepool Borough Council states the decision reflects FC Hartlepool’s strong track record in improving facilities, growing participation, and expanding opportunities for local people, with the club now hosting 55 teams, around 800 members, and supporting local employment, with the project said to be representing a long-term investment in community sport, modern facilities, and sustainable development, designed to strengthen grassroots participation, while attracting new activities and funding into Hartlepool’s public sports infrastructure.