Christchurch council finally is going to fund the laying of artificial turf at the arena next to the 2Riversmeet Leisure centre.  Nearly two decades have passed since the idea was first mooted.

The arena, amphitheatre style  was created on top of an old council refuse site and material dredged from Christchurch harbour.  Originally there was a plan for an athletics stadium but his plan never came to fruition, in fact it never really got started.  The arena then became an overflow car park, boot sales area and jousting shows.  It also caused headaches for the town when travellers set up illegal campsites there too.

Last month the scheme was approved by the commuity services committee.  The scheme means that the surface of the arena will be covered with all weather plastic turf, allowing for two seven-a-side pitches or for four five-a-side pitches.  The estimated £600,000 funding for the scheme, unanimously voted through by the committee could mean that the town would have the facility as early as 2009.

The pitches would be run by 2Riversmeet leisure centre staff who are hoping to gain financially too with an increase of visitors using the bar and centres facilities.  The committee were presented with a business plan that gave predictions of the period to recoup the initial funding in 10 years from hire fees from clubs and associations and therefore providing a continuing income for the council.

The council also funded the construction of a skate & BMX park at the site ans is well used by children all year as shown in picture.  Here it is safe for them to meet and play and in consequence are not being a nuisance anywhere else.

Last update : 23-02-2008 15:51

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