Work has started on a £500K scheme to transform sports facilities at Marlwood School in Alveston, near Thornbury.
A ‘next generation’ all-weather pitch and a natural football pitch will be provided in an effort to encourage sport and healthier lifestyles.
The full-sized football pitches, which can also be used for other sports, will be used mainly by students at the secondary school, but will also be made available for community use outside school hours.
The aim is to complete the new all-weather pitch ready for full use by the school by the end of October.
Once landscaped, the natural pitch will need to be seeded ready for use next year.
The scheme is being funded out of the council’s own resources, following a decision by the Council’s ruling Conservative administration in 2008 to top-up the schools money it receives annually from the government.
Cllr Sheila Cook, Conservative Cabinet Member for Children and Young People on South Gloucestershire Council:
“Providing quality sporting facilities at Marlwood School is just part of our authority-wide programme to drive up participation rates in sports and promote healthier lifestyles not just amongst school pupils, but also amongst the wider community.
This investment is thanks to our decision not to limit spending on schools simply to what we receive from the government, but to top this up with the council’s own resources to ensure more people can benefit from unlocking their sporting potential.
There can be no better investment than in the future of our young people and, like many pupils, the school and local residents, I am really looking forward to work being completed on this exciting scheme.”
Source: Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council
