Plans have been submitted to create the first 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) in Southport.
The new facility, which would be built at Birkdale High School on Windy Harbour Road, would help to meet a significant shortage of full size artificial pitches in north Sefton.
Southport Learning Trust has submitted a planning application for the scheme to Sefton Council.
In their submission, Surfacing Standards Ltd said: “According to the current Local Football Facilities Plan (LFFP), there were no full-size 3G FTPs in Sefton.
“3G provision is limited to five small-sided centres containing 21 5 v 5 pitches. It uses data from Sefton’s 2016 PPSwhich identifies a shortfall of 11 full-size 3G FTPs relative to assessed demand based on a total of 587 affiliated teams.
“Recognising the growth in affiliated teams (which have grown to 635) it states a shortfall of seventeen (17) full-size 3G FTPs based on a 1: 38 supply / demand ratio.
“Consultation found that due to the absence of full-sized FTPs in Sefton, teams routinely travel significant distances from the North of the borough into West Lancashire (Skelmersdale) and shorter distances in the South to access facilities in North Liverpool such as those at Archbishop Beck School and the newly opened Jeffrey Humble football hub site.
“The LFFP states that there is a shortfall of three 3G FTP’s in the Southport area citing Birkdale High School as a potential site to meet that need.
“Significant overplay at Council grass pitch sites is also a feature of junior league football in Sefton. This is also considered to be the consequence of a lack of full-size 3G FTPs.
“A new Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy has been adopted by Sefton Council (July 2023). It re-affirms that there is insufficient supply of full size 3G pitches to meet current unmet and anticipated future football demand in Sefton.
“A total of 26 football clubs report having an unmet demand to increase current access to 3G provision for training purposes. These have a combined total of 259 teams.
“It is also worth noting that RFU have reported demand for additional World Rugby Compliant pitches for rugby in Sefton.
“There is a strong core of community organisations linked to this project which would see extensive participation on the 3G and the grass pitches that would be improved by enhanced maintenance linked to the project.”
A full programme is set to be submitted to the Football Foundation to unlock funding very shortly.
The introduction of the new 3G FTP and its use by a large number of local teams within the partner clubs as well as other organisations would ensure a significant growth in participation at the site.
The scheme would see the creation of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) with 4.5m high perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, storage container, 6×15 metre high floodlights, an access footpath, an associated bund, a car park and demolition of an existing building.
The application requests opening hours of: Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 22:00 hours Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 to 22:00 hours.
Surfacing Standards Ltd said: “The provision of a new AGP will provide increased usage in comparison to the existing grassed playing field, for the benefit of the High School, local football clubs, partner organisations and other sports clubs in the surrounding area, via pre-arranged and structured access.
“The intention is to develop the AGP with minimal visual impact when viewed looking into the site.
“Disabled access has been carefully considered throughout the whole design and applied wherever possible. The intention is to provide a smooth transition to and from areas within the site, for use by people of all ages and abilities. The new hard standing areas proposed around the Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) are all accessible for disabled persons.
“The new 3G FTP would be managed in-house, directly by the Academy which already operates the existing sports and leisure facilities.”
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