New artificial pitch investment proposed for Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre

The Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre is to be turned as leisure facility, thanks to the proposed investment to build a new 3G pitch on nearby playing fields.

The scheme would also provide dedicated parking and an extension to the Ski Centre offering new changing rooms.

The planned investment is expected to deliver considerable recreational and sporting benefit to enhance community access to leisure facilities in south Telford.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet is being asked to approve the project, subject to planning permission when it meets on May 18.

The investment is expected increase the year-round use of the playing fields which are to remain protected under the council’s Green Guarantee.

Fliss Mercer, the council’s assistant director for commercial services, said the council’s Playing Pitch Strategy had specifically highlighted a lack of community access to such pitches in South Telford.

She added: “The proposed development would provide a valuable community resource, improve sport and physical activity opportunities and generate significant additional usage and income.

“It is anticipated that the new pitch would generate in the region of 42,000 community admissions from both adults and juniors, bringing with it the associated physical activity and health benefits.

“The advantage of the proposed site - on playing fields adjacent to the Ski Centre – include its proximity to the original pitch, complimentary infrastructure and strategic fit in terms of the needs identified through the borough’s Playing Pitch Strategy.”

The target date for completion would be April 2018, which would coincide with, and be part of, the legacy of the celebrations of Telford’s 50 th birthday.

If approved, the proposed facility would replace the former Madeley Court artificial turf pitch

The new 3G pitch and changing rooms which are designed to meet the latest Sport England technical guidance would also enhance the amenities in the vicinity of the Nuplace development at Miners’ Walk in Madeley as well as raising the profile of the Ski Centre site