Hunslet Indoor Pitch Approved at Chengate House 2026

Key Points

• A vacant industrial unit at Chengate House on Pepper Road in Hunslet, Leeds, has received approval from Leeds City Council for a change of use to an indoor five-a-side football venue.
• The planning application was signed off on 27 March 2026.
• The scheme features an artificial pitch, changing facilities, spectator seating, and a reception area.
• The venue will operate from 9am to 10pm daily, open to the public.
• The project revitalises an underused warehouse in an established commercial area with good transport links and proximity to residential zones.
• Benefits include economic support for the local area, promotion of health and well-being, and optimal use of existing buildings.
• No objections or additional details from other sources were noted regarding this specific project; related developments in Leeds highlight a broader push for artificial pitches amid a city-wide shortage.

Hunslet (The Leeds Times) April 3, 2026 – A disused industrial unit on Pepper Road in Hunslet is poised for transformation into an indoor five-a-side football venue following Leeds City Council’s approval of the change-of-use application, breathing new life into a long-vacant warehouse.

The decision, finalised on 27 March 2026, marks a significant step towards enhancing community sports facilities in south Leeds. As reported by journalists at yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the project at Chengate House includes comprehensive amenities such as changing facilities, spectator seating, and a reception area to accommodate public arrivals. This development aligns with broader efforts to repurpose underutilised commercial spaces amid growing demand for accessible indoor sports options.

What Has Been Approved for Chengate House?

Leeds City Council has granted full permission for the conversion of the vacant warehouse into a dedicated indoor five-a-side pitch venue. According to the yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk coverage, the core element is an artificial pitch designed for five-a-side football, complemented by essential infrastructure.

The facilities extend to practical visitor needs, with changing rooms for players, seating for spectators, and a reception desk for smooth operations. No further modifications to the building’s exterior were specified in the approval documents, preserving the industrial character of the Pepper Road site.

This approval process underscores the council’s commitment to adaptive reuse, ensuring the project fits seamlessly within Hunslet’s established commercial landscape.

Where Exactly Is the New Venue Located?

Chengate House sits on Pepper Road in Hunslet, a well-connected area in south Leeds known for its industrial heritage and ongoing regeneration.

The location benefits from strong transport links, including proximity to major roads and public transport routes, making it highly accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Surrounding residential neighbourhoods provide a ready community base, enhancing the venue’s potential footfall. As noted in the application details reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, these factors were key to the council’s positive assessment, confirming the site’s suitability without straining local infrastructure.

Hunslet’s commercial zoning further supports the initiative, positioning the venue as a natural addition rather than a disruptive change.

When Will the Indoor Pitch Open to the Public?

The venue is slated to welcome the public from 9am to 10pm every day of the week, offering extended hours to suit varied schedules. While an exact opening date remains unconfirmed in available reports, the swift approval on 27 March 2026 suggests construction or fit-out work could commence promptly.

Yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk highlighted the daily operational window as a deliberate feature to maximise community access.

This flexibility addresses peak demand periods for casual and organised five-a-side games, particularly during evenings and weekends.

No delays have been reported, aligning with the council’s efficient processing of the application.

Why Did Leeds City Council Approve This Project?

The primary rationale centres on revitalising an unused building, injecting vitality into a site dormant for years. As detailed by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the project brings the warehouse back into public use, countering urban decay in Hunslet.

Economic boosts are anticipated through job creation in operations and maintenance, alongside increased local spending.

Health and well-being improvements form another pillar, with indoor football promoting physical activity year-round, immune to weather disruptions.

Councillors viewed the initiative as a model for better utilising underused assets, with no significant objections raised during planning.

How Will the Venue Support the Local Economy?

Local economic gains stem from the venue’s operation drawing visitors, players, and potentially teams to the area. Reception and changing facilities will necessitate staffing, creating employment opportunities in Hunslet.

The site’s commercial surroundings could see spillover benefits, such as patronage at nearby businesses. Yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk reported that the development’s focus on public access ensures broad economic trickle-down, from equipment suppliers to refreshments.

Sustainability is embedded by repurposing an existing structure, minimising new-build costs and environmental impact.

What Facilities Will Players and Spectators Enjoy?

Players will access a high-quality artificial pitch tailored for five-a-side, with changing facilities ensuring comfort pre- and post-game. Spectator seating allows friends and family to watch matches comfortably.

A dedicated reception area streamlines bookings, payments, and information, enhancing user experience. These elements, as outlined in the approval by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, prioritise functionality and inclusivity.

The design supports both casual drop-ins and booked sessions, broadening appeal.

Is This Part of a Larger Trend in Leeds Sports Developments?

Leeds faces a shortage of over 20 all-weather pitches city-wide, driving multiple similar projects. While Chengate House is distinct, it echoes initiatives like the £15m Holbeck Sports Hub, where final approval was anticipated around March 2026 for three full-size artificial pitches, changing rooms, and a café.

As reported by news.leeds.gov.uk, Holbeck’s development at the former Matthew Murray High School includes multi-use games areas, a children’s play area, and walking routes, managed by the National Football Trust. Councillor Salma Arif of Leeds City Council stated:

“We look forward to the work starting on the Holbeck Sports Hub, which will be a significant asset to the local community and residents in south Leeds. It will provide affordable and accessible quality sports pitches, providing more opportunities for physical activity and play and spaces to meet up and connect.”

BBC News coverage corroborated this, noting health benefits and a potential GP surgery integration. Joint funding from the Football Foundation and council capital underscores regional investment.

What About Other Artificial Pitch Projects in Leeds?

Additional proposals include Chapeltown Youth Development Centre’s application for a floodlit 3G pitch on Scott Hall Avenue, aimed at football and rugby to address local shortages.

Eastsidestory.co.uk reported:

“The proposed AGP will enhance football and rugby activities at Chapeltown Youth Development Centre, meeting local demand for artificial pitches,”

with public consultation open until mid-February 2026.

Earlier plans for two sports hubs, part of the Parklife programme with the Football Foundation, targeted three full-size pitches each, as per blmforum.net. These align with Chengate House’s goals of grassroots support and facility expansion.

No direct links exist, but they reflect Leeds City Council’s strategic response to demand.

Who Stands to Benefit Most from This Venue?

Local residents, particularly in Hunslet and surrounding areas, gain convenient access to indoor sports. Families and youth groups benefit from the extended hours and amenities, fostering community engagement.

Broader south Leeds communities, facing pitch shortages, will see reduced pressure on outdoor facilities. Yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk emphasised the health agenda, positioning the venue as a well-being hub.

Amateur leagues and casual players alike will find a reliable space.

Could There Be Any Challenges or Objections?

The approval proceeded without noted objections, thanks to the site’s commercial zoning and transport links. Noise and traffic concerns appear mitigated by the 10pm closure and existing infrastructure.

Ongoing monitoring by the council ensures compliance, with no reports of appeals.

What Does This Mean for Health and Well-Being in Hunslet?

Indoor five-a-side promotes regular exercise, combating sedentary lifestyles prevalent in urban areas. As with Holbeck, where officials highlighted sustainable training to ease grass pitch strain, Chengate House contributes to city-wide goals.

Public operation ensures affordability, aligning with Councillor Arif’s vision for accessible activity spaces.