The Melbourne Street MUGA, located in the Highfields area of Leicester, underwent a significant transformation with a £140,000 investment from Leicester City Council and Notts Sport played a key role.
This redevelopment aimed to provide a modern, accessible facility for local residents, particularly in an area with limited open spaces.
The 15m x 22m MUGA now features the durable artificial surface NottsSward 1300, the NottsPad SP performance layer and new fencing, offering both football and basketball courts for public use.
The newly refurbished MUGA was officially opened in May 2025. The event was marked by a day of free community activities organised by Leicester City in the Community. Leicester City FC legend Steve Walsh attended the launch, joining City Mayor Peter Soulsby and local councillors Mohammed Dawood and Hanif Aqbany in celebrating the facility's reopening.
The redevelopment of the Melbourne Street MUGA is part of a broader £2.1 million investment by Leicester City Council to enhance multi-use games areas, ball courts, and kickabout facilities across the city. These improvements are designed to promote active lifestyles, provide safe spaces for youth engagement, and foster community cohesion.
Assistant city mayor for sports and leisure, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: "We're investing in multi-use games areas because we know how popular these facilities are and what a difference they can make to communities, particularly in areas of the city where open spaces may be more scarce.
Multi-use games areas are a focal point for positive activities and an important space for socialising. They can be used in all weathers and for various sports and games. These facilities are practical, versatile and welcomed by local people, so we are very pleased to provide them."
Through collaborative efforts between local government, sports organisations, and community groups, the project provides an accessible space for sports and recreation for the community, Notts Sport is proud to be a part of this initiative.
