Installation of new astroturf pitches in Lincoln leisure centres began yesterday, Monday 11.
This renovation project is starting with the installation of a new full-size, flood-lit all-weather football pitch at Birchwood Leisure Centre. The construction should take 12 weeks.
From April to July, work will be done to improve Yarborough Leisure Centre. As well as a new football pitch, the existing pitch’s fencing and floodlights will be replaced and the athletics track updated.
Steve Lockwood, Sports Leisure and City Services Manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “It’s impossible to say exactly because it’s weather permitting and all sorts of the things we can’t control decide when outside works are finished”.
This development comes following campaigns from The FA and Sport England. These sporting organisations are saying that as a country, we’re being less active and becoming more obese.
Sport England provide guidelines regarding the number of sports facilities areas have. The council has tailored its project to meet the city’s demand and provide the allocated amount of all-weather pitches.
A recent funding bid to the Premier League, The FA Facilities Fund, and the Sport England Community Asset Fund have allowed the council to take this action to help improve the health of people in Lincolnshire. This project is costing around £1.7m, with over half coming from external organisations.
Mr Lockwood said: “When you walk up to Yarborough or Birchwood, it’s going to be pretty spectacular. Full-sized pitches, new tracks. It will be good for the city, I think”.
Youth teams and 5-a-side leagues currently play on these pitches and the council wants to improve the facilities for the existing users as well as encourage new people to take up sports.
Our reporter, Bethany Pritchard, is at Yarborough Leisure Centre to find out more.