Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 24, 2024

Purpose: Key decision for match funding spend working with the Football Foundation on project to put Artificial Grass Pitches on our sports hub sites.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place / Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, which sought approval to change some of the grass pitches at two of the Council’s sports hub sites, Bowlee Park and Heywood Sports Village, to artificial grass.   The Play Pitch Programme & Project Development Officerwas in attendance to present the information and to answer the questions of the Cabinet Members.   The Officer informed that the project relating to Bowlee site would also include the demolition of the old pavilion building and its replacement with a new purpose built facility. The project would be jointly funded by the football foundation (up to 60%) and from the Council’s section 106 for formal sport.   Resolved: 1.            That  the feasibility report (in Appendix 1) relating to the installation of artificial grass pitches at two of the Council’s hub sites (Bowlee and Heywood Central Sports Village) be noted; 2.            That it be noted that the feasibility study estimates the capital costs of the two projects combined as £11million; 3.            That it be noted that the detailed stage of the feasibility study would revise the scope of the projects with the view to be fully funded through Football Foundation grant funding and Council’s match funding as outlined in the Finance section of the report; 4.            That the total project cost of the project be approved in principle and that the service be authorised to proceed with the application process with the Football Foundation to move the project forward to finalising costs for each site and look at agreeing the final project funding and initiating the build and options within each feasibility study for Heywood and Bowlee; 5.            That the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Environment, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Growth and with the Director of Corporate Services be given delegated authority to approve the final project costs and professional fees; 6.            That it be noted that a further report would be submitted to update on the final project cost and professional fees and to request final approval. Reason for decision: A detailed feasibility report that the council had commissioned detailed the potential of two hub sites for the installation of artificial grass pitches (and associated facilities) which would allow fixtures to be completed and also could be managed for community use outside match times. The number of fixtures/use of grass pitches was limited to the condition of the pitch where as the artificial grass pitch could be used in all weather conditions and was far more hard wearing. Initial engagement with the Football Foundation and also the county Football Association had taken place and their feedback was positive to allow the Council to move the project forward to look at designs and costings in more detail.   Alternatives considered and rejected: The feasibility study initially looked at all four hub sites for artificial grass pitches. However, the report discounted the Firgrove site because of limitations with access and parking and also the condition of the current grass pitches at the site which are very good. The Littleborough site was also considered but the issues around the new school at the site would make that option currently not viable as the school project may include an artificial grass pitch. The feasibility study recognised the geographical position of the Bowlee site and the Council explored with neighbouring boroughs if they wanted to join the project, or if the site could alleviate any issues that their playing pitch strategies recognised. The working group engaged with both Bury and Manchester councils and they both fed back that their supply was sufficient in their neighbouring wards and they declined the option of a joint project but they both supported the project and would help in engagement with user groups from within their boroughs. The group had also engaged with the adjacent school who were willing to join the working group with a view to using one of the Bowlee artificial grass pitches within their curriculum during the day.