A 3G pitch is to be added to proposals for the redevelopment of a Dungannon park – taking the total projected cost to £1.5 million.
Members of Mid Ulster District Council’s development committee recommended that chief executive Adrian McCreesh approve the business case for the pitch which will be sited at Railway Park.
They also urged council to submit an application for full planning permission.
With council having already given its backing to the £1 million redevelopment of the park, members were told the indicative capital cost of adding the 3G pitch to the proposals would be up to £500,000.
This additional cost, members were told, is contained within council’s 2020-2024 capital framework.
In addition to this, the recurring annual expenditure cost is estimated to be approximately £26,275 per annum with one staff member expected to be employed for five hours a day, six days a week to facilitate bookings and ongoing site inspection requirements.
The pitch is expected to last a decade but will cost approximately £200,000 to replace when the time comes.
The pitch will, officers believe, provide opportunities for effective partnerships with private, education, public/local community and voluntary sector organisations which, it is hoped, will bring benefits to the Dungannon area and wider district in a way that is open and accessible to all.
However, the report notes that due to size constraints on the site, this proposed 3G pitch will not be the required size for competition.
Councillor Dominic Molloy welcomed the proposal and said the need for such a facility has been made clear.
“I know there have been a few concerns around flooding but if ongoing development can take care of that I am delighted to propose,” he said.
Councillor Barry Monteith said he was happy to second the proposal.
“People are starting to realise council is serious about being committed to the local area and developing it. This, to me, is a good idea that could potentially create a really good working park, that works at all times of the day for all sections of the community,” he said.
