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29 June 2026  4 min read

'Inspiring the next generation' - Manchester's Cringle Park gets sparkling upgrade

The project has seen the existing court fully transformed, including a deep clean, a brand-new playing surface, updated posts and hoops, and a vibrant new colour design to create a high-quality and welcoming space for local residents.

The investment is part of a wider programme to improve community sport facilities across Manchester. Work is also scheduled to take place at Eggington Street Park in Harpurhey, where two courts will be overhauled soon.

The programme is supported by a £47,000 investment from Manchester City Council and Manchester Basketball, alongside a contribution from Basketball England.

The new courts will be supported by a programme of community activity and activation sessions, including opportunities for local young people to engage with players from Manchester Basketball.

The city is also home to Basketball England - who's #ProjectSwish campaign has helped renovate and upgrade scores of outdoor courts across the country - and hosts a wide range of programmes, from junior leagues to inclusive sessions for disabled and SEN participants.

Outdoor courts such as those in Cringle Park play a key role in this ecosystem, providing accessible, free spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can take part in sport, connect with others and stay active.

The Cringle Park court was officially opened by Cllr Shazia Butt, executive member for culture, leisure and libraries at Manchester City Council; Cllr Basat Sheikh, executive member for neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council; Toby Wilkinson, Basketball England Outdoor Projects Lead and Manchester Basketball CEO Claire Bradbury, alongside homegrown Manchester Basketball player Kaiyem Cleary and young players from Manchester Junior Giants.

Councillor Shazia Butt, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Libraries, Manchester City Council said:  

“The improvements at Cringle Park show what can be achieved when partners work collaboratively to deliver welcoming, high-quality places that help residents stay active and feel connected to their local area.

"Basketball is becoming an increasingly important part of Manchester’s sporting identity, from the professional game to neighbourhood sessions, and facilities like these help strengthen that local pathway. Parks and green spaces remain essential community assets, offering open and inviting places for people of all ages to be active, improve their wellbeing and spend time together.

"By continuing to invest in facilities like this, we are creating more opportunities for Mancunians to be active, supporting healthier lives and making sure that everyone can get involved, whatever their background or level of experience.”

Claire Bradbury, Manchester Basketball CEO said:

"We’re incredibly proud to launch our first community court in partnership with the Council. As Manchester's professional basketball team, it's important that we play our part in supporting grassroots basketball and making a positive impact locally. We hope that initiatives like this inspire the younger generation and connect communities.

"Sport has an amazing power to bring people together and basketball is the original community hub, extending far beyond the court - shaping culture, uniting communities and creating a place to belong. We hope that this court will do exactly that for the Levenshulme community.”

Toby Wilkinson, Basketball England Outdoor Projects Lead said:

“We are excited to be supporting our partners in Manchester to deliver more outdoor spaces to play basketball.

"We were happy to support in shortlisting and surveying sites for development in Manchester, eventually shaping the scope of the project and selecting Cringle Park. We’ve offered technical guidance throughout the project to ensure the new basketball equipment installed meets the highest standard for outdoor use.

"The renovated court will be an asset to the local community, and we look forward to seeing Manchester’s next generation of basketball talent make the most of the new facility."

Pictures: Pete Simmons

Find out more about #ProjectSwish

Check out our Cringle Park gallery below