Official opening and naming ceremony of Radcliffe 3G and sports pavilion

Thursday, 8 May 2025 13:30

By David Murphy

A newly built sports facility at Redbank Playing Fields has been officially named The Paul Hilton Pavilion, in honour of Paul’s outstanding contribution to sport, Radcliffe Football Club, and the wider Radcliffe community.

Paul Hilton was Radcliffe Football Club Chairman from 2016 until his sad and sudden passing in September 2024.

On the evening of 29 April 2025, a ribbon-cutting and naming ceremony was held, with Cabinet Member, Councillor Alan Quinn, presiding over the event. The ceremony was attended by Paul Hilton's family, and his daughter Charlotte, had the honour of cutting the ribbon.

Also in attendance were Christian Wakeford MP (Bury South), Councillor Eamon O’Brien (Leader of Bury Council), ward councillors, and Lee Boyer from the County FA, Lee Chapman from Radcliffe Junior Football Club and scheme contractors and consultants.

Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Along with Bury Council, Paul was a key driving force behind securing the funding for these fantastic new facilities that are now supporting more than 55 football teams.

"We are deeply honoured to name the sports pavilion after Paul, whose passion, dedication and influence helped bring these new facilities to life. Though Paul is sadly no longer with us, his legacy lives on, continuing to inspire and uplift the Radcliffe community for generations to come."

The new £2.45m facilities were funded with £1.8 million from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, plus a further £650k from Bury Council.

Lee Chapman, Radcliffe Junior Football Club Chairman, said: The official opening of the new facility was a tremendous success and could not have gone any better.

“It was fantastic to see so many of those who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life in attendance, alongside a vibrant and busy site filled with our junior players. The atmosphere reflected the excitement and pride shared across the club, marking a memorable start to this new chapter.

“This new facility now proudly serves as the home of Radcliffe Juniors, providing a top-quality environment for our players, coaches, and wider community to enjoy for years to come.

“Although there are many people to thank, special mention must go to Neil Long at Bury Council, who has been there every step of the way and played a vital role in ensuring everything we needed was implemented.”

The 3G all-weather, floodlit pitch has replaced some of the traditional grassed pitches which can be prone to waterlogging and cause of abandoned matches. The surface of the 3G provides a durable FIFA-standard quality pitch that supports safe, intensive, year-round play, allowing games to continue in all kinds of weather.

The new site also includes 82 car parking spaces and cycle spaces to support active travel.

On Tuesday 6 May, Radcliffe community groups and sports clubs were also invited to come along to an open afternoon to meet club representatives and view the new facilities, including a community/meeting room within the pavilion.

The new Radcliffe 3G is now the third of its kind in the Bury borough with others located at Goshen and at Elton High School. A fourth 3G pitch at Top Park in Ramsbottom is also due for completion in May 2025.

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