£1.2M 'Boxing Palace' opens in Oldham to inspire and transform futures

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, described a new venue aimed at transforming lives and shaping futures as a “boxing palace” as it launched in the heart of Oldham this week.

The £1.2M Greater Manchester Boxing & Development Hub, led by former professional and amateur international boxer Eric Noi, has been completely redeveloped thanks to support from the Community Ownership Fund, Sport England, Greater Manchester Police, and the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF).  

The AHF provided crucial early-stage support that enabled the successful Community Asset Transfer and later funding bids, making the redevelopment possible. 

The project has also been supported by Oldham Council, which transferred ownership of the building to the charity, ensuring its long-term sustainability. 

Once opened by the late Ricky Hatton in 2011, he was expected to return before his tragic death. 

The venue on Greaves Street has a proud legacy of grassroots boxing and social impact, now reimagined to serve young people from across the whole of Greater Manchester. 

Eric explained: “This isn’t just about boxing - it’s about partnership and collaboration. We live in fractured times, and we can only move forward together.  

“It takes a village to raise a child and partnership of organisations to raise a citizen. With partners like Positive Steps and Mahdlo Youth Zone, we’re showing the true power of collaboration. We believe in the transformative power of sport.”  

Pictured above: Mr Burnham and Kyle Tullin ready for a spar.

The official reopening this week was attended by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, alongside Oldham Athletic Chairman, Frank Rothwell, The Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Eddie and Kath Moores, along with other local leaders and partners in Sport England and also from across the region.  

Mr Burnham praised the initiative as a model for community sport and youth engagement, saying: “It’s amazing to walk into this place. It’s like a boxing palace. It’s an incredible building right here in the heart of Oldham and just to see the number of people here.

"The support that Eric’s got and has built what I would like to see more of across Greater Manchester and I am really glad that this place will be throwing its doors open to the whole city region.

"Facilities are outstanding and the key thing for me is what its used for and how many lives will be changed in this building but knowing Eric and everything he is about thousands of lives will be changed every year.” 

He added: “Sport should be a right. Every young person should have the right to walk into a place like this. Boxing builds discipline, focus, and a culture of giving back. I’m backing you completely - make sure this place changes as many lives as possible.” 

Guests at the launch heard powerful testimonies from people whose lives have been shaped by the Hub’s work. 

Kyle Tullin, who joined the club at the age of 13 after facing many challenges on his pathway including being the victim of a horrendous knife attack, is now a Team GB boxer. He credited the gym for helping him find purpose and pride. 

He said: “Boxing is everything to me. It made me demand the best version of myself. There’s only one gym that compares to this - and that’s the Team GB one.” 

Wesley Blades rebuilt his life after serving a prison sentence. He was able to transform his future after joining the Oldham Boxing and Personal Developement Centre.  

He now works with the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, mentoring young people to avoid the mistakes he once made, adding: “Boxing gave me the chance to be part of something. It showed me there’s another way.” 

The reopening comes just days after the funeral of Ricky Hatton, who first opened the club and embodied the ethos of giving back through boxing.  

Mr Burnham reflected: “It’s fitting that this reopens in the same week we said goodbye to Ricky - he always gave back. This place carries that spirit forward.” 

The Greater Manchester Boxing and Development Hub will continue to provide training, mentoring, and education programmes designed to engage young people, reduce violence, and strengthen communities across the city-region.  

Eric added: “Oldham and Greater Manchester are fighting for futures, not just titles. This is what real change looks like.”