On Tuesday 21st December 2021, Councillor Patricia Ackroyd, Mayor of East Staffordshire, joined fellow Councillor Bev Ashcroft (Deputy Leader for Leisure, Amenities and Tourism), Ward Councillors, Council Officers, and representatives from partner organisations to celebrate the refurbishment of the Shobnall Leisure Complex artificial pitch. The multi-purpose pitch, which is managed by the Council’s Leisure operating partner Everyone Active, has been resurfaced and fitted with new LED floodlights to enhance the playing area and improve energy efficiency.
Also present on the evening were colleagues from Everyone Active and representatives from Barton and Burton Hockey Clubs.
The new pitch was installed by AS Sports Systems Limited with quality control inspections carried out at each key stage of the project by pitch consultant Surfacing Standards Limited.
The new surface system, primarily used for hockey, achieved International Hockey Federation (FIH) Category 3 performance standards, meaning it is suitable for national and local competitions. This is the highest performance standard a sand dressed hockey turf pitch can achieve.
In addition to the pitch improvements, Halliday Lighting Limited installed brand new LED floodlights at the facility, providing high quality, energy efficient lighting to the playing area to further enhance the playing experience.
Simon Morgan, Contract Manager for Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to provide this new artificial pitch and floodlights for the local community and beyond.
“The surface is top quality and will serve a variety of activities so people of all ages and interests will benefit from it.
“The new floodlights illuminate the area perfectly and their energy efficiency will reduce the impact on the environment.”
Councillor Patricia Ackroyd, Mayor of East Staffordshire, said: “The refurbishment works to the facility have provided a wonderful new pitch for users, and we look forward to welcoming them here for many years to come.”