10/07/2026
Statement on behalf of the NSDA (Newmarket Sports development association)
There currently is a proposal being circulated amongst councillors, Sports groups and The Jockey club regarding a development at Scaltback which would encompass a sports hub and redevelopment of the playing fields currently leased by the NSDA. This proposal includes the demolition of the current Pavilion which is owned by the NSDA.
The NSDA had NOT been approached for our thoughts or input on this proposal which is very odd considering we hold the lease. Infact the first the NSDA were aware is when the proposal was shared with others and presented to the Town Council a few years ago.
As the proposal is again being pushed forward the Trustees and committee of the NSDA feel it necessary to address the situation and to make our position clear.
The NSDA was set-up, by the local authority, in 1971, to facilitate sport and recreation development for the local community. The NSDA successfully negotiated with the local authority to provide a clubhouse to accommodate the growing demand for greenspace sport in Newmarket and surrounding area: the clubhouse was completed in 1974, albeit much smaller than it is today. Over the years, the clubhouse has undergone significant transformation, primarily to accommodate the growing demand. Since its set-up, the NSDA has accommodated: Newmarket Hockey Club, Newmarket Motorcycle Club, Newmarket Sub-Aqua Club, Newmarket Ramblers, Newmarket Town Football Club (juniors and girls teams), NERA Football Club (local Sunday League team), Newmarket Junior Joggers and, currently, Newmarket Rugby Club, who have been playing at Scaltback since 1969. In addition, St Philips Badminton Club, Newmarket Badminton Club, and Newmarket Gymnastics Club, used the school gymnasium, after the school closure, managed by the NSDA.
Over the past 12 months the NSDA have invested considerable money into improving our Pavilion and facilities.
As a registered charity our aim is to support affordable sport which is available to all.
The current proposal would mean the NSDA surrender their lease and a commercial company would take over the running of the whole site. The rugby club who have had Scaltback as their home for nearly 57 years would no longer be the main user but instead would use a booking system with all other users. Potentially 1 pitch would be marked out for rugby. As confirmed by the RFU and the FA, a pitch cannot be shared with dual marking for league games.
Whilst the work was being undertaken the Rugby club and the Girls football teams potentially could be temporarily homeless. And if the new site could not meet the needs of the 350+ rugby members and 40 girls football members they could find a situation where under 11s are playing at George Lambton and under 9,s at a local school.
If the NSDA were to allow this to happen we feel we would be failing in our objectives.
So for clarity the NSDA will NOT be surrendering our Lease for the green space. We will continue to support bringing the sports hub to Scaltback on the SCC school footprint (this area is not in the NSDA lease) the development of the existing tennis court in to an all weather court along with expansion of parking to allow more users to access affordable facilities.
Once work is completed, the NSDA would offer to manage the sports hub on behalf of SCC just like we did the school hall. The NSDA comprises members from all user groups, thus providing a knowledgeable committee of commited volunteers to ensure the successful management of a multi sport site, as we have done in the past.
The NSDA has clear objectives on its direction of travel, in order to meet the needs of the local community, it now sits with the various councils to agree to bring the sports hub to Scaltback.
If any sports group would like to reach out to the NSDA directly then please do.
Kind Regards
The Trustees and committee of the NSDA
Charity number: 1208074
