#Club’s foundation officially takes over new hub in city centre as EY report highlights economic and social impact of the Magpies
The city of Newcastle and its club Newcastle United received a major boost when the ownership of a new community hub was handed over to the club’s foundation.
Newcastle United Foundation have been officially handed the keys to Murray House, a community centre located just half a mile from St James’ Park.
Project Pitchside will now turn the venue into a state-of-the-art centre for sport education, health and wellbeing, which will allow the Foundation to grow and develop its work for the people of the North East.
“I lived 100 metres from Murray House,” said former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi. “This is where I started playing football in Newcastle.
“This is a passionate project for me and it’s huge the influence this place has and can have on so many lives.”
The handover came as a report showed the impact that the club have on people in the city and region.
The economic and social impact study, published by EY, highlights how Newcastle United and its Foundation contributes to the local economy through investment, jobs and tourism.
The report found that in the 2017/18 season alone, the club and Foundation added £236m to the local economy, supported more than 2,000 jobs and paid £70m in direct tax contributions.
More than £3m was invested into Foundation projects, generating a social value of £22.5m, a social return of £7 for every £1 invested.
“The figures suggest the foundation has contributed millions to our city, but I’d argue it’s priceless,” said Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah, who spoke at the special event to unveil the report.
“Our communities face many challenges, with high unemployment among young people one of them. Places like Murray House are essential for our city.” premierleague.com
