Improving sports and leisure facilities in Stowmarket
Background
In 2021, Mid Suffolk District Council refreshed its Sports, Leisure and Physical Activity Strategy which found that increased and better facilities were needed within Stowmarket.
Following on from this strategy, the council undertook extensive engagement with partner organisations and sports clubs to seek their views on what facilities were needed.
In partnership with Suffolk County Council, Stowmarket Town Council, local schools, the leisure centre, the NHS, Active Suffolk, local sports clubs, the Football Foundation and Sport England, the council created a scheme for the area that not only included feedback from local organisations, but worked to address health inequalities in Stowmarket, and particularly Chilton Ward, which often compare poorly against the local area and nationally.
The scheme includes several new and improved facilities such as a 3G pitch, new trim trail, sports pavilion and much more.
The council has provided a significant amount of funding towards the project with other funding coming from a range of external sources, including Section 106 contributions.
Completed work to date
- Installation of new cricket nets
- Removal of old trim trail and installation of replacement
- Improvements to existing grass pitches and ongoing maintenance
Ongoing work
- Creation of new 3G pitch: completion is expected in September 2026 ahead of the start of the next football season
- Creation of new mini athletics track: work is ongoing to complete new mini athletics track and completion is expected in September 2026
Work yet to start
- Sports pavilion: planning permission has been approved for a new sports pavilion at Chilton Fields. This will replace the existing pavilion used by Stowmarket Rugby Club. Contractors are soon to be appointed with work set to start in late summer 20206 and due to complete the summer 2027
- Multi Use Games Area
- Active track