A planning application has been submitted to build a £7m Pavilion to support grassroots football development and provide new educational opportunities for schools and colleges. The facilities would include a reception area, a large drop-in café and 3 multi-use rooms which could be used as education or meeting spaces.

Plans also include extending the parking facilities by 200 spaces to improve access and traffic flow in and around the vicinity. Should the build be approved, Alliance Leisure would deliver the project via the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure.

The Pavilion would support the development of three new full-sized, floodlit 3G pitches alongside the resurfacing of the existing 3G pitch to support the Derby Junior Football League and the Derbyshire Girls and Ladies League.

The project is part of a national Hubs programme led by the Premier League, The FA and the Football Foundation to boost grassroots football. Speaking about the project, Councilor Jerry Pearce, city council cabinet member for Streetpride, Leisure and Public Spaces, says: “The aim of this scheme is to upgrade and improve facilities for grassroots football in Derby.”

Works to build the 3G pitches will be funded through via a Football Foundation grant, with the building development works being funded in conjunction with Derby City Council.

The planning application will be considered by the council’s planning committee. Subject to planning, work could start early in 2023.