Chester FC Community Trust’s vision of a new community sports hub for Chester has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the scheme, which will see a new full-size floodlit 3G pitch and clubhouse created in Blacon, when it met on Tuesday, 1 December.
The plans also include improved access, car parking and ancillary works as part of King George V Sports Hub, which will see the grass pitches and pavilion refurbished at King George V playing fields on Blacon Avenue.
Jim Green, CEO of the Community Trust, said: “We are delighted the project has secured planning consent and very grateful to the council’s planning committee and its officers for recognising the huge benefits the sports hub will have for the community.
“In what have been extremely challenging circumstances, it is testament to the partners involved that the scheme has continued to progress and we are a step closer to making this amazing facility a reality.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported the application and there will be further announcements in the coming weeks about how individuals and businesses can play their part in helping to bring what will be one of the best community sport venues in the region to our city.”
The King George V Sports Hub project is a collaboration between the Community Trust and the council, who have invested £365,000 in the scheme and submitted an application for grant funding from the Football Foundation for the 3G pitch and clubhouse. The grass pitch improvements will be funded through a section 106 agreement of £175,000 from the development of 142 homes at Clifton Drive playing fields.
The Community Trust, which is a registered charity, will operate the sports hub on a lease from the council with any profits reinvested back into the site and priority use for grassroots clubs and leagues, including Chester & Wirral Football League, Saughall Colts JFC, Upton JFC and Waggon & Horses FC. It will also host a wide range of community projects and activities ensuring local people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to access and enjoy the facilities.
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 scheme, 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.