Football hub plan set to move closer to kick-off

Plans to create a multi-million-pound community grassroots football and sport hub in the city are set to be discussed by Derby City Council this week.

The proposed hub on Derby Racecourse would seek to address the shortfall in the city’s football pitch provision and would include the development of three new full-size 3G football turf pitches on the site, as well as the refurbishment of an existing pitch.

The plans also feature a new changing pavilion, including a community café and meeting space.

As well as the improved pitch provision, the hub development would include increased more parking spaces and improved entry and exit to the site.

The city council’s cabinet will discuss the proposal when it meets on Wednesday.

It is looking to approve a total budget of £11.902 million to enable the development to begin, with funding proposed from the council, alongside a pending funding decision from the Premier League, the FA and the Government’s Football Foundation.

Councillor Jerry Pearce, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, public spaces and leisure, said: “This project is a worthy investment for the council and will give our communities the grassroots football facilities they deserve.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Football Hub take shape over the coming months.”

The pitch works would be delivered by a specialist contractor of the Football Foundation while the pavilion and car park aspects would be delivered by Alliance Leisure with plans for work to start onsite this spring.

Will Gardner development manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “We’re delighted to be coordinating this project that brings together lots of partners to provide a first-class facility for the local community.”