A new 3G floodlit football pitch and multi-use games area are among new facilities proposed as part of a planned revamp of Spalding’s Castle Sports Complex.
South Holland District Council is bidding for £20million bid from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to invest in the site.
The bid is set to include a full remodel of the existing provision at the site, including new indoor areas and equipment, and three new swimming pool facilities including a large pool, a teaching pool and a splash pad, as announced by the Council last week.
A council spokesman said: “The new pitch would allow playtime all year round, due to its increased weather resistance compared to the existing grass facilities.
“The improvements would also include a refurbished changing pavilion for those looking to use the pitch, which would cater for both full-sized games and smaller pitch areas for other forms of the game such as 5-a-side and walking football.
“As well as the new football pitch an outdoor multi-use games area would also be created at the site, catering for a variety of other sports including basketball.”
The council is currently working alongside a range of partners to prepare its submission for the district, ahead of the Government’s deadline in July.
The need for the development of new all-weather football facilities was identified as the District’s number one priority by the Football Foundation for South Holland, and the plans have been supported by the Lincolnshire FA and Spalding United Youth.
Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “We know there has been a need for higher quality football provision in South Holland for some time now, and we hope that this bid can help us to provide facilities suitable for players of all ages, in all forms of the game, all year round.
“These plans are about creating opportunities for everyone, and working with local schools, sports groups and clubs and societies to ensure they get the maximum possible benefit from them. This Levelling Up funding would not only be an opportunity for us to ensure excellent health, wellbeing, leisure and sport provision for our residents, but also to open up the chance to invest vital funds elsewhere in the District on other priority services.”
Steph Powell, head of football development at Lincolnshire FA, added: “Lincolnshire FA along with the Football Foundation are delighted to support South Holland District Council’s bid for new football facilities.
“The development of a new multi-use gaming area and 3G pitch in Spalding will enable us to support existing community football clubs and develop new recreational and competitive opportunities for all people to play regardless of their background, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability status. We will also support additional opportunities to volunteer, official or lead in the game as part of our ongoing project aims.
“We hope to activate and support a project that will result in a hub for all sports, not just football that the town and district can be proud of.”
Sharla Slayven, chair of Spalding United Youth, said: “We welcome this proposed bid by the Council, which would represent a huge step forward for football provision in the District.
“As a club we currently work with over 200 young players from across South Holland. We hope that a new 3G pitch will help to attract more children, and adults, to get out in the fresh air, keep fit, have fun and, hopefully, develop the next generation of talent.”
