Hornets' new hive: Rochdale club moves to Million Pavilion

Craig Fisher, manager of Hornets Sporting Foundation; Andy Mazey, Rochdale Hornets chairman; Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council and local councillors Phil Massey and Daniel Meredith

The Rochdale Hornets are buzzing with excitement as they officially become tenants at Million Pavilion, a cutting-edge community hub. Located in Balderstone Park, this new facility boasts two RFL-spec grass pitches and is hailed as a “unique blueprint” for rugby league.

Commenting on the news, Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “We are extremely pleased to update our supporters, stakeholders and all other interested parties with the exciting news that the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation have signed the tenancy agreement for land and premises at Million Pavilion.

"This includes purpose-built rugby league pitches and facilities at Balderstone Park.

"A lot of hard work has gone into reaching this stage, and it is exciting times as these facilities provide a fantastic base for our continually developing foundation. 

"This hub, or 'hive' as we are referring to it, will significantly increase the social value we bring to the local community. It also shows our commitment to improving participation and activity levels in under-represented groups across the borough, and will also enable delivery of non rugby league related projects as we support groups and communities who face barriers in life."

He added: "In the past 12 months or so, we have forged a positive relationship with local group Kirkholt Million who also occupy the building, and we are excited to be working together with them and indeed with other local organisations and community groups to create a healthier and more resilient community for all.

"I would like to thank Rochdale Council for supporting our vision to become one of the most inclusive and diverse professional rugby league clubs in the country."