University of Worcester plans to replace five-a-side pitch

The University of Worcester has submitted plans to the city council asking to replace one of its artificial pitches at its St John's Campus.

The uni says in its application that the pitches are ageing and deemed unsafe and are therefore currently closed to prevent injury to football or hockey players.

If approved, the university would replace the pitch with an all-new artificial surface, up to modern standards and fit for present use.

In the application, the uni said: "The prime purpose of the affected artificial grass pitch will remain unaltered, facilitating community and public sports, recreation, and leisure activities.

SITE: The location of the pitch

"The surrounding land and uses around St John’s Campus are unaffected by this proposal.

"The proposed AGP (artificial grass pitch), once refurbished, will accommodate enhanced and increased football activities.

"The AGP will be transformed into a valued contemporary all-weather sports facility facilitating football activities.

"Once implemented; the development will be appropriate in its location and the proposed facilities will enhance and maximise performance quality of the Sports Centre’s outdoor amenities."

The plans include refurbishment of the artificial grass pitch and replacing it with a 3G surface, replacement ball-stop fencing and entry gates and replacement LED floodlights.

A new maintenance equipment storage space would be provided along with new hard-standing areas for pedestrian access.

New vehicle access and storage for portable goals are also included.

Before it closed, the pitch was regularly used by the university itself, as well as more than two dozen external football and hockey teams.

SITE: The pitch as seen from above

It is also hoped the new 3G pitch would reduce demand on other similar sites in the city.

The plans said: "The plan is to provide long-term sustainable benefits by increasing grassroots football development at St John’s Campus and encouraging whole-life sport for young aspiring footballers via enhanced pathways into open-age football.

"This proposal offers excellent outcomes and has the power to contribute positively to vital social and health priorities.

"Therefore, delivery of the proposed upgraded AGP would provide Worcester’s local footballing community access to a strategically needed playing and training facility."

The plans can be seen in full at plan.worcester.gov.uk/Planning/Display/22/00638/FUL