Uckfield to see huge infrastructure investment by Wealden District Council in its sporting facilities

An allocation of up to £350,000 from Wealden District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will support the development of a new 3G football pitch at Victoria Pleasure Ground, which is being funded in partnership with Uckfield Town Council and The Football Foundation

In recent years major innovations and improvements have been made to artificial surfaces, which has created playing surfaces that replicate a good standard natural turf pitch whilst significantly increasing levels of use.

A further £1.35 million of CIL will be invested to improve the facilities and clubhouse at Uckfield Rugby Football club to make it an accessible and inclusive community hub with enhanced ancillary provision which will be able to introduce several new sports.

Plans will see a professional sports medical space, accessible changing rooms and creation of flexible social spaces for community use and aims to increase participation in all types of rugby, mixed / inclusive stoolball, padel, netball, business networking and charity events.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “The health and wellbeing of our residents is central to creating thriving communities. The only existing 3G pitch at Uckfield Leisure Centre is currently at capacity. The new all-weather 3G pitch will bring a much-needed facilities to the area. The new pitch will help increase access, support multiple sports and protect the existing pitches.

“Developing and enhancing local sports and community facilities helps meet current and future demand, builds stronger communities and supports the health and wellbeing of Wealden’s’ residents. These new and improved community sports facilities will deliver lasting health, wellbeing, and social benefits, ensuring residents have access to high-quality, fit-for-purpose facilities for years to come.”