A GWENT town is set to get its first artificial 3G pitch almost 10 years after one was first proposed.
Up to £200,000 is being made available for an all-weather pitch to be located at Blaenavon Heritage Primary School.
The school had previously been identified as a potential location for a 3G pitch in 2016 but had yet to be taken forward.
The pitch will be laid on the existing multi-use games area, or MUGA, at the school which is a solid surface unlike an artificial grass 3G pitch that will be suitable for competitive rugby and football fixtures and be tested against World Rugby and world football governing body FIFA’s compliance standards.
Independent councillor for Blaenavon, Janet Jones, welcomed the news which was confirmed in a published decision, by Torfaen Borough Council, on Tuesday, August 26.
Cllr Jones, who is also a governor at the school, said: “Whatever we have in Blaenavon will be a really big bonus for so many people, and young people, and something we’ve wanted for a long time.”
The cash is being made available from a reserve established at the end of the 2021/22 financial year, worth £1.5 million to fund programmes to support communities.
Members’ Policy Choice Reserve
The council’s Labour cabinet has already allocated £565,000 from the Members’ Policy Choice Reserve, including towards a spring clean this year, leaving a remaining balance of £935,000.
A decision report said other areas in Torfaen have already benefited from the strategic development of 3G pitches but stated: “There remains a lack of provision within the north of the borough, with pitches having been developed in Llantarnam Primary school, Cwmbran High school (in process of being developed), Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw (Trevethin area) and Abersychan High school.
“In order to ensure equitable access to 3G facilities across the local authority, it is necessary that there is development in the north of the borough. A 3G facility in Blaenavon would provide a greater degree of equitable access throughout the borough and would be a valuable resource for the community as well as the school.”
It also said a pitch would help address health and social inequalities and the council’s agenda to support preventative health care through supporting community activities.
An initial quote has put the price for a new pitch at £125,518 plus VAT. The council is putting aside £74,482 as a contingency fund should costs exceed the initial quote, which could also cover the conversion of existing flood lighting to LED lights.
The council still has to follow procurement and tendering processes before works can start.