Plans to install new 3G pitches at two north Powys sports centres have been drawn up the county council and its leisure partners have announced.
Powys County Council and Freedom Leisure are looking to install the new pitches at Llanfair Caereinion Sports Centre and Llanfyllin Sports Centre to replace the outdated pitches. The 3G pitches could be suitable for football, hockey and a number of other outdoor sports.
As part of the plans, new and improved energy saving floodlighting schemes could be installed.
A planning application will be submitted and a tender process will begin shortly. If given the go-ahead, the work could take place in the summer.
The plans for the two new pitches follow the recent investment in Llanidloes that saw the council install a brand-new 3G pitch at the town’s sports centre, which is now managed by Freedom Leisure.
Cllr Rachel Powell, Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture, said: “I’m delighted that we are working with Freedom Leisure and looking to install 3G pitches at the sports centres in Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin.
“If these developments go ahead, not only will it demonstrate our continued commitment to provide high-quality, inclusive and fully accessible leisure facilities for all communities in Powys, but it will be another great example of partnership working between the council and Freedom Leisure.”
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “One of our aims in the Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys is to improve the learner entitlement and experience. We have started the journey to improve the learner entitlement and experience in Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin by creating all-through schools in both towns.
“The new pitches, which could enhance facilities at both centres, would help the council meet this aim. Not only would these new pitches enhance the facilities at both centres that members of the community would benefit from, but they would also provide suitable surfaces to help learners improve and enhance their sporting prowess and their wellbeing.”
Gwyn Owen, Freedom Leisure’s Area Manager for Powys, said: “These new 3G pitches could be very beneficial for our customers in Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin to remain as active and healthy as possible. The new pitches would be a fantastic incentive to encourage outdoor activities for all.”
Cllr Gareth Jones, County Councillor for Llanfair Caereinion, said: “To be finally in this position is fantastic news for so many sporting groups within our community. The new 3G pitch would also be a great resource to Ysgol Bro Caereinion enabling learners to maximise their sporting potential. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who are working hard to make this happen.”
Cllr Peter Lewis, County Councillor for Llanfyllin, said: “This is fantastic news for Llanfyllin. The 3G pitch will be an enormous benefit to Ysgol Llanfyllin and all the other sporting groups that use the leisure centre but also make it more accessible for more groups from all around the area to use a superior all-weather facility in Llanfyllin.”
