A planning application has been submitted for Chester’s proposed community sports hub.
Chester FC Community Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council are working in collaboration to develop the sports hub in Blacon.
If approved, the application will see planning permission granted for a new full-size floodlit 3G pitch and sports pavilion off Blacon Avenue, together with improved access, car parking and ancillary works.
This forms a key part of the wider vision for King George V Sports Hub, which also includes the improvement of the grass pitches and existing pavilion at the adjacent King George V playing fields.
Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “These plans are the product of a lot of careful thought and work over recent months to ensure this is not only a brilliant new facility for the city, but also one that works for the local community.
“It was impossible to have foreseen the challenges we have faced this year but we have remained positive and adapted our plans accordingly to ensure we can deliver this fantastic scheme.
“The 3G pitch will make a massive difference for local clubs, providing a top class facility for training and games, helping players reach their potential and increasing participation with a specific focus on girls’ football. It will also support the improvement and maintenance of the grass pitches for future generations.
“The site will host a diverse mix of projects and activities delivered by the Community Trust and our partners as we want everyone to have the opportunity to use and enjoy the site, and this is a project that will deliver significant benefits for the borough, creating new jobs, education and training opportunities, and inspiring people to lead healthier, more active lives.
“This has been a challenging year for us all and we believe Chester needs this facility, and the difference it will make in our communities, more than ever.”
The Community Trust will be based at the sports hub and operate the facility on a lease from the council with any profits reinvested back into the site.
The floodlit FIFA approved 3G pitch will be capable of accomodating 11v11, 9v9, 7v7 and 5v5 football with grassroots clubs, teams and leagues having priority during evenings and weekends.
The new pavilion will provide two changing rooms, toilets, office, kitchen, storage and multi-use community room, while the existing access to the site will be improved and new car parking and cycle parking provided.
The council is investing £365,000 in the scheme and has applied to the Football Foundation for an estimated £750,000 grant with the Community Trust working to secure additional funding to enable work to commence in early 2021.
The Community Trust is continuing to fundraise for King George V Sports Hub and donations to the project can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/kgvsportshub.
If you would like to know more about the plans, have any questions or would like to be involved in the project, please contact Community Trust chief executive Jim Green on 01244 371376 or email jim.green@chesterfc.com.
The council’s planning committee is due to consider the application when it meets on Tuesday, December 1.
To comment on the application search reference ‘20/03772/FUL’ at https://pa.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/online-applications or email planning@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk by November 13.