Development Plan for an all-weather sports facility in the Ogmore Valley

A Sport Development Group made up of local sports groups and stakeholders in the Ogmore Valley, was set up to look at the potential for an all-weather pitch in the Valley. The group approached Reach for funding to commission a Feasibility Study into the most suitable site for a floodlit all-weather multi sports surface with changing rooms, based on five sites they had already identified.

The organisation appointed carried out site assessments and consultation with the local community, stakeholders and the Sports Development Group which led to the five sites being reduced to three sites to be included in the Feasibility Study.

Consultation feedback, potential income generation, good access, location, good transport links etc were considered for each site which led to the Steering Group agreeing on one site to take forward – locally known as the Planka. The Planka site benefitted from good road, walking and cycling links; overlooked by housing which would help reduce anti-social behaviour; big enough to retain the existing rugby and football fields plus install a fenced all-weather area; the site was already well used and well known within the valley; had existing changing facilities which needed improving which meant power and water were already on site; had the potential to provide additional community facilities.

The study looked at the site as a whole using existing structures and facilities to make the site an area that could be used by the whole community and people of all abilities. The final study proposed – a cycle and walking trail around the whole site with solar lighting, natural play area; a wetland area for the run off of the drainage from the all- weather pitch and the existing pitches; a natural wild flower area; floodlights for the football, rugby and all weather pitches; extending the small existing parking area to accommodate the additional usage; upgrading the existing changing facilities; providing a picnic /seating area. The whole facility will address the training needs of local football and rugby teams and will attract teams from other areas and provide a space for a variety of outdoor and environmental activities for people of all ages and all abilities.