Residents across Lichfield District are benefiting from nearly £100,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) investment that has helped deliver major improvements to local sporting facilities, including a resurfaced hockey pitch and a new crown green bowling facility.
Community Infrastructure Levy funding is generated through new development and helps deliver infrastructure and community facilities that support growing communities. The two projects at Lichfield Sports Club have received a combined £96,000 from Lichfield District Council, enhancing opportunities for people of all ages to take part in sport and improve their health and wellbeing.
Lichfield Hockey Club has completed the replacement of its all-weather pitch with support from a £60,000 CIL grant.
The previous surface had served the city’s hockey community for 18 years and had reached the end of its operational life. The new pitch was funded principally by the club, with the Council grant helping to make the investment possible. The resurfacing project, completed by AS Sports Systems, took almost five weeks to finish.
Neal Critchley, Chairman of Lichfield Hockey Club, said:
“The CIL grant has helped us relay our pitch with a fantastic new surface that will continue to develop the club and guarantees a world-class hockey surface for the city. It will benefit not just the club but the wider hockey community, bringing people to the club including use by Staffordshire Hockey, Midlands Hockey and England Hockey.”
The upgraded facility will continue to support grassroots participation, player development and competitive hockey, while attracting regional and national hockey activity to Lichfield.
A £36,000 CIL grant has also helped bring a brand-new crown green bowling facility to Lichfield, creating a permanent home for Vale View Crown Green Bowling Club and expanding opportunities for residents to take part in an accessible and inclusive sport.
Working together, and with support from St John's Trust and funding from the HS2 Community and Environment Grant Scheme, partners were able to landscape and construct the new bowling green. The Council's CIL funding ensured the final supporting infrastructure was delivered, allowing the club to begin operations.
John Chapman, Secretary of Vale View Crown Green Bowling Club, said:
“We are grateful for this public funding and to D. McCarthy Brothers (Lichfield) Ltd, whose directors committed considerable time, energy and financial resources to the construction of the green. Without this funding and the cooperation of all parties, the project would not have been the undoubted success it is.”
The new club is now welcoming members and providing opportunities for residents to enjoy an accessible outdoor sport in a scenic community setting.
Councillor Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Housing & Local Plan, said:
“Community Infrastructure Levy funding plays an important role in helping us deliver facilities that improve quality of life for residents and support thriving communities.
“The resurfaced hockey pitch secures a high-quality facility that serves not only Lichfield Hockey Club but the wider regional hockey community, while the new bowling green has provided a permanent home for a new local club and expanded the sporting opportunities available at Lichfield Sports Club.
“Together, these projects represent a significant investment in community sport and will benefit residents for many years to come.”
Since its introduction, Community Infrastructure Levy funding has supported a range of projects across Lichfield District, helping deliver facilities and improvements that benefit local communities.