The Houghton Regis Town Council is currently in the process of developing a proposal for the procurement of a state-of-the-art all-weather football pitch and changing pavilion at Tithe Farm Recreation Ground. The proposed location for the pitch will be situated east of the playground and skate park, both of which are managed by the Houghton Regis Town Council. Additionally, the plan includes improvements to the existing parking facilities.
Planning Permission
The planning application was approved by Central Bedfordshire Council on 16th February 2022.
There are a number of conditions to be discharged which are in hand. These include a detailed surface water drainage scheme, tree protection barriers, and provision of details for improvements to the junction of the proposed vehicular access with the highway.
Pitch tenders
The contract for the pitch construction has been awarded to Field Turf. Houghton Regis Town Council is looking forward to working with them throughout the development. FieldTurf is a leader in outdoor and indoor artificial turf football surfacing. FieldTurf football systems are the trusted choice in Major European Football clubs. Ajax Amsterdam, FC Barcelona, FC Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund, 1860 Munich, Olympic Lyonnais, Olympic de Marseille, Everton and West Ham United among others have trusted FieldTurf as their surface of choice.
Pavilion tender
The contract for the pavilion construction has been awarded to T&B Contractors.* Houghton Regis Town Council are also looking forward to working with them throughout the development.
Football Foundation Grant Application
The funding application to the Football Foundation was submitted in January 2022 and is currently in the process of being considered. The application is for funding of £950,000.
Asked what will happen if the funding application is turned down, Cllr Tracey McMahon responded, “It does seem like it's been done a bit in reverse, but councils don't do things like they are done in households. Fortunately, the application has been agreed in principle, but unfortunately, due to time constraints, post-Covid backlogs, and issues with other parties, the bid round deadline passed - hence the funding is due in May at the next round.”
Central Bedfordshire Council Funding
Houghton Regis Town Council are delighted to let you know that CBC is providing developer funding in the region of £460,000.
Funding balance
The remaining funding will be provided by the use of developer funding already with Houghton Regis Town Council of £230,000, use of earmarked reserves (allocated funding) of around £120,000 and any funding balance to be secured through borrowing. Houghton Regis Town Council says they are confident that this project will be delivered at no extra cost to residents.
Next steps
Houghton Regis Town Council is currently awaiting the decision of the Football Foundation on the grant application. This is expected at the end of May 2022. Once this is secured, all being well, it will be full steam ahead for the physical delivery of the project between July 2022 and May 2023.
Pitch Hours of Operation and Floodlight Operating restriction times
Monday to Friday 0900-2200 hours,
Saturday and Sunday 0900-2000 hours,
Bank Holidays 0900-1800 hours unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority.
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