WORK is now under way to transform Droitwich’s King George V Playing Fields into a multi-million-pound sports hub for the community.
The project will include a new floodlit 3G artificial pitch, a floodlit stadia pitch, a new changing room block and new storage.
The existing changing rooms and pavilion will be refurbished, including the installation of photo voltaic solar panels and other energy saving measures.
The overall cost will be £2.5million, with funding coming from a Community Legacy Grant from Wychavon District Council and £450K from the Grassroots Fund of the Football Foundation.
The project is a partnership between Wychavon District Council, Wychavon Leisure Community Association Ltd and the Droitwich Spa Community Football Club Ltd (an umbrella club comprising of the major users of the football facilities, including Droitwich Spa Football Club, Droitwich Spa Boys and Girls FC, Droitwich Spa Ladies FC, and Droitwich Spa Vets FC).
E Manton Limited, the main contractor, has an excellent track record, having recently completed the council’s improvements at Evesham United Football Club.
Coun Rob Adams, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement, Culture and Sport at Wychavon District Council, said: “It is great to see work has started on the project and everyone working together to make it a reality.
“The project will be a fantastic addition for Droitwich and it will make a positive impact to the community.
“We can’t wait to see the final result.”
Wayne Oliver, Co-Director of Droitwich Spa Football Club, said: “I’m really excited about the project which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the footballing community of Droitwich.”
He added he was looking forward to seeing Droitwich Spa FC playing its ‘home games’ in the town, rather than in Stourport where it previously had to play because the ground did not meet the specific FA standards required.
“I’d like to thank Wychavon District Council and Wychavon Leisure for their efforts in getting this across the line, and with facilities that can be grown when the club gains promotion this season.”
The work is expected to take up to 28 weeks to complete.
