The Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne have unveiled a brand-new artificial cricket pitch on one of their open green spaces adjacent to Forsyth Road in Jesmond, marking a significant investment in grassroots sport, urban green space, and community wellbeing.
To celebrate the opening, pupils from West Jesmond Primary School joined representatives from the Freemen of the City, the English Cricket Board (ECB), and the Northumberland Cricket Board to give the pitch its maiden over. The event marked the beginning of what is hoped to become a hub for local cricketing activity and open-air play.
Nick Atkinson, Vice Chairman of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, explained:
“This is Forsyth Road Playing Fields, one of the many areas we are privileged to steward as part of the various Town Moors – over 1,000 acres of open land at the heart of this city. Some of these moors are grazed by cattle, but others, like this one, are set aside solely for public air and exercise. With support from the ECB and Northumberland Cricket Board, we secured funding to install an artificial wicket and create a lasting space for grassroots sport.
“We believe strongly in promoting open-air exercise, access to nature, and mental wellbeing—all of which are central to our mission. This new pitch is freely available to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. We want residents, families, and schools to feel empowered to come down and enjoy it.”
The Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne have a long and proud history, dating back over 800 years. Today, they combine tradition with active stewardship of land, environment, and community opportunity. In addition to managing large portions of the City’s green spaces, they are deeply involved in initiatives that enhance civic life including promoting bio-diversity, flood alleviation and, of course, providing some of the best event space in the City if not the entire region delivering events like The Hoppings ad the forthcoming “Come Together” music festival.
In recent years, the Freemen have increasingly focused on how their land can serve modern communities—especially in the face of urban challenges such as poor access to green space, childhood inactivity, and social isolation.
“Whether it’s grazing cattle, hosting public events, or developing sports infrastructure,” said Atkinson, “we see it as our responsibility to ensure that these green spaces continue to serve the city and its people.”
The Jesmond pitch is part of a wider vision that includes similar developments across the city, including in the West End, aimed at bringing high-quality, freely accessible recreation facilities into the heart of local communities.
James Morgan, Operations Manager at the Northumberland Cricket Board, welcomed the new pitch:
“We know there’s huge enthusiasm for cricket in the North East, but a real shortage of places to play—particularly in urban areas. This initiative helps remove those barriers. You don’t need a full team or expensive kit to get started. It’s about turning up, having a bat and a ball, and just playing. That’s the spirit we’re trying to grow.”
He added:
“We’re also committed to diversifying how the game is played. Whether it’s school groups, casual evening matches, or young people playing with backpacks for stumps, this pitch creates space for the game to evolve in accessible, exciting ways.”
Reflecting on the opening day, Nick Atkinson concluded:
“It was brilliant to see the children from West Jesmond Primary School out there enjoying the game—laughing, learning, and getting stuck in. That’s exactly what this pitch is for. It’s about creating joyful, healthy experiences for young people and giving them the freedom to play. Seeing it come to life today makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Photo: Two children from West Jesmond Primary Schol flank L to R Back James Morgan, (N cricket Board) Pauline Summerhill (Freemen) and Cllr Khaled Musharraf
Front row – local resident and parent Michael Mitten and Vice Chair of Freemen of Newcastle Nick Atkinson (Barry Pells Photography)
Photo – group shot of children and representatives (Barry Pells Photography)