Five-a-side football provider set for site closures

Five-a-side football pitch operator Powerleague is set to close several sites amid financial difficulties. The company, owned by real estate investor Patron Capital Partners, is understood to be looking at a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). Powerleague owns nearly 50 sites, covering 6.7m sq ft, across the UK and Europe. EG retail and industrial analyst, James Child, Said: “With the majority of locations in out of town business park areas, the pitches could be quickly repurposed for new business space if a CVA does come to fruition, though it would seem likely that many would remain as recreational football hubs.” The company was among multiple football operators hit by March’s ‘Beast from the East’ storm in the UK, which disrupted pitch availability and reduced sales. In April 2017, Powerleague held merger talks with rival Goals, but called time on the discussions a few months later. The news comes after a string of CVAs, predominantly in retail, including Office Outlet, House of Fraser, Byron, Carpetright, Homebase, Mothercare and New Look. Patron Capital Partners declined to comment. To send feedback, e-mail anna.ward@egi.co.uk or tweet @annaroxelana or @estatesgazette Main image © Philip Oldham for FA/REX/Shutterstock