Posted on 20th Jun
Work has begun on the refurbishment of the artificial turf hockey pitch at Magnus Church of England Academy, which will secure Newark Hockey Club’s long-term future at the site, its home for the last 20 years, as well as being a new facility for academy students and the town.
Newark and Sherwood District Council is providing the initial funding to upgrade the pitch, which will be paid back by Magnus from leasing fees through a community use agreement. In addition to the pitch, the council will carry out a number of further improvements.
The old artificial turf surface, installed in 2001, and its underlying shock pad will be replaced, and new LED lighting will be installed to existing lighting columns.
Additional grant funding opportunities are being explored by the council and hockey club for support towards the cost of replacing the existing goals and the provision of new dug-outs for the teams playing at the site.
As well as financing the project, the council will also take a lead in the operational management of the pitch by agreement with Magnus through its leisure management company, Active4Today, for 15 years. Bookings for use can be made through the existing online booking system.
Coun David Lloyd, council leader, said: “Refurbishments to the Newark Hockey Club pitch at Magnus will see it become one of the best in the East Midlands, attracting players and supporters from all over the area.
“Newark and Sherwood is becoming a great area to participate in sport with the new YMCA Community and Activity Village becoming a reality soon as well as the many Active4Today sites across the district in Southwell, Newark, Blidworth and Dukeries, which also had a £3m five-lane pool installed last year.”
Arran Coggan, hockey club chair, said: “We are delighted to see the pitch refurbished and thank the school and council for their positive outlooks in making this happen.
“Being over 15 years old, the current pitch can be detrimental to safe hockey. Over 180 players from 5 to 60+ years old play hockey weekly throughout the year and a new pitch will enable to us to provide a safe and secure home for everyone”.
Anna Martin, executive head at Magnus Academy, said: “We are thrilled to have secured a great investment for our academy and students. The partnership working with Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark Hockey and Active4Today has enabled us to secure an asset for the whole community”.
Work is likely to be completed towards the end of July.
