WORK on a new 3G sports pitch in Merthyr Tydfil looks set to start before Christmas with the plan for it to open in the new year.
The council has said residents of Aberfan will see fencing and equipment start to arrive on the Grove Fields car park from Monday, November 10, ahead of redevelopment work on the existing astroturf that has been out of commission for a number of years to turn it into a new 3G facility.
Whilst the site will remain the same size, supported by council funding ring-fenced against Aberfan and a Sport Wales capital grant, it will be resurfaced as a new 3G facility equipped with a shock pad.
The council says this will further support local sports teams alongside the recently opened full-size 3G pitch at Afon Taf High School.
The work will take place this side of Christmas with the plan for it to open early in the new year.
This means that part of the car park will be out of use while the work is carried out.
At the same time as the Aberfan development the full-size astroturf site at Cyfarthfa High School will also undergo a redevelopment through funding from the Sport Wales pitch collaboration fund.
This site will remain as astroturf for hockey and other sports that can’t use 3G but the council says it will be an improved and modernised surface.
The work here will also take place this side of Christmas with a view to being ready early in the New Year.
Active Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil Council’s sport development department, secured the funding for both sites, worth more than £550,000, and is currently engaging with local clubs to develop a usage plan before their reopenings.
Councillor Jamie Scriven, the council’s cabinet member for economy, regeneration, leisure, and tourism, said: “We are delighted to see two further sports facilities get much needed upgrades to support our fantastic local sports teams.
“These redevelopments follow on closely from the opening of the brand new skate park and Afon Taf 3G facility and is part of MTCBC’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
