The all-weather 3G pitch next to Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop's Stortford will be available alongside the site's existing grass pitches. It will include a standing spectator area, floodlighting and storage enclosed within the fenced area of the 3G pitch. The pitch will include lining for both adult games and junior games (under 7’s and upwards) to maximise participation for all ages.

The proposals have been developed to help meet the deficit of 3G football pitches identified in the playing pitch strategy for East Herts. According to the strategy, 17.7 per cent of teams in the local area are unable to book pitches in their preferred location due to lack of availability, and 18 teams in the district need to book pitches outside of the district due to an under supply of pitches.

Furthermore, 77 teams report they are only able to book pitches for either games or training but rarely both. With the anticipated population growth in the Bishop’s Stortford area there is a projected further increased demand for football facilities.

The pitch will be available for football clubs, private hire and will open up opportunities for new initiatives such as walking football and other low-medium intensity physical activities, says the council.