Plans to replace Faraday Road’s grass pitch with an all weather one get lodged this week – and the council has decided to borrow £1.
Plans are underway to replace Faraday Road’s grass pitch with an all-weather surface, with the council set to borrow £1.25m to fund the project rather than wait for Sport England funding.
Council leader Jeff Brooks believes this move will be profitable, projecting a revenue of around £170k annually.
If approved, work could start early next year, with the new pitch ready by Spring 2026. The council states this upgrade will boost participation in sports for local teams, schools, and community groups, promoting fitness and social interaction across all ages.
Nigel Foot, the portfolio holder for leisure, emphasised that the pitch will provide a reliable venue for grassroots football and school sports. He noted that weather conditions have often made the grass surface unreliable, with heavy rain and dry spells impacting playability.
“3G artificial surfaces are preferred for football pitches as they can be used year-round and last at least 10 years with proper maintenance,” he stated.
During peak hours (5pm–10pm on weekdays), the pitch can generate £630 per day by being divided into three 7-a-side areas, totalling £3,150 weekly or approximately £125,000 yearly. Off-peak usage may yield an additional £40,000–£47,000 annually, depending on demand.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
