Funding unlocked for new multi-use games area for Stowmarket
Local residents can look forward to the creation of a large MUGA – a multi-purpose space for tennis, netball, basketball, football etc – at Stowmarket High School, as part of the council’s continuing work to redress the lack of sports facilities and tackle health inadequacies in the town.
A new 3G pitch and athletics track for community use are now completed at the school, but planned work on the MUGA had stalled due to lack of available external funding.
This week Mid Suffolk District Council agreed to step in and ‘forward fund’ the work – bridging the gap until external capital is available to reimburse its investment.
By agreeing to forward fund the MUGA, we are reaffirming our commitment to deliver a project that is really beneficial for the people of Stowmarket and surrounding areas.”
The MUGA fits into a wider plan which has seen the council invest in sports and wellbeing facilities in Stowmarket, with nearby Chilton Fields already benefitting from new cricket nets, new trim trail and a regular scheme of pitch maintenance and improvements.
The next major milestone for the scheme will be the groundbreaking for Stowmarket’s new multi-million sports pavilion at Chilton Fields, featuring upgraded facilities for use by local clubs, including Stowmarket Rugby Club.
During the same meeting councillors approved an additional £350k towards the pavilion, to enhance the building’s sustainability and increase its risk reserve allowance – as well as £50k in grant funding to Stowmarket Rugby Club so they can appoint a facilities manager for the new building ahead of it becoming operational at the end of next year.
In addition to investing in sports in Stowmarket, the council continues to ensure community facilities are available across the district.
There is ongoing investment in both Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and at Stradbroke Pool & Fitness Centre and the council has also launched a new Mid Suffolk Sports and Infrastructure Fund offering between £20k and £250k for projects to improve indoor or outdoor sports facilities within the district, but outside Stowmarket.
