Plan for new Radcliffe 3G football pitch

Plan for new Radcliffe 3G football pitch

Bury Council is working with the Football Foundation and Lancashire County FA on developing a funding application for a ‘state of the art’ 3G football facility in Radcliffe.

This would be the third of its kind in the borough, the others being at Goshen Playing Field and at Elton High School.

3G pitches are made up of synthetic grass filled with rubber cushioning  as a performance infill. The surface allows for better grip, smoother play, better shock absorption and excellent ball performance.

Studies are now under way at Redbank Playing Field in Radcliffe to assess its suitability to house the new facility. The project aims to create a full-sized 3G all-weather flood-lit pitch, additional car parking and a new football changing pavilion that will meet latest FA standards.

The council has set aside a total of £500,000 funding for the project and will seek additional funding from other partners too.

While the project is at an early stage, developing 3G all-weather pitches across the borough has been identified as a priority in the council's adopted Playing Pitch Strategy.  

The council is also working with Radcliffe FC and Radcliffe Junior FC to develop a significant sports facility that will benefit the people of Radcliffe now and in the future, and play an important part in the Radcliffe Strategic Regeneration Framework

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “These facilities will make it easier for residents to take part in sport, and in all weathers, which plays a crucial part in maintaining people’s physical and mental health.”

And Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, added: “This will be a valuable addition to the physical landscape in Radcliffe, which we have major plans to improve as part of our multi-million pound regeneration proposals for the town centre.

“Radcliffe FC has a long and proud history as part of the non-league family of clubs in the Greater Manchester area, it’s fantastic to be working with them on this exciting project.”

A new 3G pitch was completed at Goshen last year but due to coronavirus restrictions this is not yet open. A launch event and official opening at the site will be arranged when restrictions are eased.