Work has started this week to build four small sided 3G football pitches at Withdean Sports Complex.
Funded with section 106 developer contributions, the pitches, complete with floodlighting for year-round use, are being built on an area near the athletics track, formerly used as an overspill car park.
The new facility will help to meet strong demand across the city for all weather football pitches, identified in the city’s Local Football Facility Plan.
It will also build on the legacy of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament, which saw matches played at the Amex Stadium, and aims to provide more opportunities for women and girls to participate in football.
Providing the new 3G pitches at Withdean is part of the council’s Sports Facilities Investment Plan, which sets out how sports facilities will be developed in the city over the next 10 years.
The plan will see Withdean Sports Complex become one of three major sport and leisure hubs within the city.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Committee said: “This new football facility at Withdean will provide so many opportunities for training and recreational play, not just for our local football clubs, but for schools and community groups in the surrounding area.
“It’s great to see Withdean developing as a major sporting hub, as proposed in our Sports Facilities Investment Plan, and enhancing our growing reputation as a major sporting city.”
