Bedford Sports & Hockey Centre, the home of Bedford Hockey Club, celebrated the grand opening of its newly refurbished pitches at Chester Road, Queen’s Park, on Saturday, 6 September, marking a major milestone in the club’s growth and commitment to community sport.
The sun was shining, the kids were playing hockey and football, and the atmosphere was jubilant as local families gathered for a full day of activities. Live music, BBQ food, stalls, a bouncy castle and masterclasses led by England men’s hockey captain Sam Ward added to the fun.
The official opening ceremony took place at 12.30pm, with the pitches formally opened by HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada and Deputy Mayor Cllr Jim Weir (Conservative).
They were joined by High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Camilla King, Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour), North Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller (Conservative) and Bedford Borough Council portfolio holder for customer experience, Cllr Sarah Gallagher (Conservative).
Speaking to the Bedford Independent, club president Robert Oakley said the event marked the culmination of over three decades of community commitment.
“I was involved in setting this project up back in 1991. Bedford Hockey Club had £5,000 in the bank, and we needed £600,000. We brought everyone together, schools, clubs, anyone interested in hockey, and we made it happen,” he said.
He added that the new facility is now run by a charity, with only one salaried staff member, and almost everything else is delivered by volunteers. “This really is the community supporting the community.”
Not just a hockey club
Deputy Mayor Cllr Jim Weir said the council’s £500,000 investment, matched and exceeded by £650,000 raised by Bedford Sports Foundation and Bedford Hockey Club, with help from generous donations and sponsors, had created a lasting legacy.
“People wouldn’t believe how many groups use this place. They support school partnerships, the Asian Ladies’ Activity Group, local festivals, youth football, and recent arrivals to the UK through the King’s Arms Project. It’s about 50% hockey and 50% everything else,” he said.
“It’s a community asset, not just a hockey club. No one can say funding something like this, that supports so many people, is a bad idea.”
MP Mohammad Yasin, who lives nearby, said he’s proud to see international-level sport and grassroots access side by side.
“This is my local park, and it’s fantastic. I’ve seen people play football, hockey, all sorts, and it’s so good to see the community coming together and benefiting from this,” he said.
The upgraded pitches, now used seven days a week, feature a world-class Polytan playing surface, shock pad, LED lighting, new fencing, dugouts, and renovated clubhouse areas.
They serve not only Bedford Hockey Club but also local football clubs, schools, and organisations, including Bromham Youth FC, Bedford Town FC, Queens Park Crescent FC, Luton Town Community Foundation and the Fun Factory.
More to come
Phase Two of the club’s long-term development plan is set for summer 2026 and will include two additional quarter-pitches in partnership with Biddenham International School and Sports College.
These will allow more space for netball, basketball, 5-a-side football and expanded hockey training.
Robert Oakley said Biddenham School currently has access to the second pitch during term time, and pays nothing for the privilege.
“We have a very close partnership with Biddenham International School and have worked closely with them since our inception, assisting them in becoming designated a Sports College by the Department of Education in 2004.
“Our charitable activity through our lease ensures free access to Pitch Two, the ‘Woodrow’ pitch throughout the school day,” he said.
It was the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, who summed up what the whole project represented for everyone in Bedford Borough and beyond.
“This club was built for a community by a community”, she said.
