Sports stadium set to receive six-figure revamp

Grassroots sport in the city is set to receive a further boost after Derby City Council announced a £825,000 investment to improve Moorways Stadium.

As part of the plans, the stadium’s current sand dressed pitch will be converted into a larger, 3G surface that can be used for both football and rugby.

The surrounding fencing will be replaced, and new efficient LED floodlighting installed. The athletics straight will also be resurfaced.

The project will be part-funded by the council, with most of funding coming from a Football Foundation grant.

It comes after three full-size 3G pitches were recently opened at the city’s new state-of-the-art Football Hub at Derby Racecourse.

The project is a collaboration between the council, Everyone Active, which operates Moorways Sports Village and Stadium, Derbyshire County Football Association, Allenton United FC, Derby Athletic Club, Field Lane FC, Rolls-Royce RUFC and Pride Park FC.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, the city council’s cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “The creation of a new 3G pitch at Moorways Stadium will be a further boost to grassroots football in Derby, as the number of teams in the city, across all ages, increases year on year.

“It’s not just about football, though – this project will also improve facilities for rugby and athletics.

“We’ve listened to the public to ensure the new pitch will truly serve the community and be enjoyed by all.

“It’s fantastic to work alongside our partners to develop another facility that we can all be proud of, as we continue to promote health and wellbeing for everyone in the city.”

Simon Morgan, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “It’s fantastic news that Moorways Stadium will be getting a 3G pitch and resurfaced athletics straight among a variety of upgrades.

“These improvements will make Moorways Stadium an even better accompaniment to the state-of-the-art facilities we have next door at Moorways Sports Village and Everyone Active is proud to manage these on the Council’s behalf.”