Designs for FA 3G football pitch in Stowmarket go on show
Designs for a 3G football pitch, office and training conference facilities in Stowmarket have already won supporters.
The FA (Football Association) wants to build its Suffolk headquarters at Millfields in Violet Hill Road in a project costing £3-4million and showed off plans for the first time last Thursday.
At the event in StowHealth centre, Suffolk FA chairman Phil Lawler spoke to Stowmarket residents about the plan before permission is sought from Mid Suffolk District Council this autumn. If this is granted, the pitch could be open in time for the 2021-22 season.
The complex would also have office, training and conference facilities that could be rented out. There would also be a large car park to be shared with neighbouring StowHealth.
Stowmarket Town Council has already backed the scheme and pledged £100,000.
The town council’s clerk David Blackburn said: “The development of Millfields also means a new state of the art community centre for the town, offering conference rooms and much needed hot desking to local businesses, as well as a new community cafe.”
And residents who spoke to the Bury Free Press also gave their support to the scheme.
Richard Brown, of Orchard Croft, said: “I am not too happy but I’d rather this than housing.
“I’m most concerned about about the noise and language associated at football pitches.”
Keith Holloway, of Soames Close, said: “The biggest problem will be cars, parking is currently terrible to the health centre. I can’t work out how this new plan for a car park will work, but I am otherwise in favour.”
The Rev Michael Eden, of St Peter and St Mary Church, said he was ‘widely supportive’.
A man who lives nearby and did not wish to be named added: “I was dismayed at first because I thought it had potential to de-value my house. But I have been reassured knowing the lights will be off by 10pm and there will be an acoustic fence installed to block sound. I feel the council clerk has listened to our concerns and addressed them positively.”
