Council announces next steps for Colcot and Buttrills sports facilities
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has revealed next steps for the development of sports facilities at Colcot Sports Centre and Buttrills Playing Fields following a recent public consultation.
They were set out in an update report recently approved by the Authority’s cabinet.
The engagement exercise generated more than 700 responses from sports clubs, community organisations and site users which will be used to guide future plans.
It revealed strong support for retaining both sites for sport, recreation and community use and a desire for significant investment to improve facilities.
Respondents also indicated they would like to see better changing rooms, improved accessibility, enhanced facilities for women and girls, upgrades to grass pitches and the refurbishment of the disused artificial turf pitch.
There was also clear opposition to any future housing development on the sites.
The Council will now embark on a programme of further feasibility studies and option development work to explore long-term improvements.
Funding opportunities for the refurbishment of the former artificial turf pitch will also be explored as this emerged as the single most popular improvement identified through the consultation.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: "This report presents a step-by-step approach after taking into account extensive consultation feedback from residents.
“That response has been tremendous and we have listened carefully to the views of residents, clubs and community groups. People have been clear that these sites should remain dedicated to sport, recreation and community use, and that investment is needed to improve the facilities.”
Cllr Gwyn John, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Wellbeing, said: "The refurbishment of the artificial turf pitch was identified as a top priority and we are investigating funding options to bring that facility back into use. At the same time, we will continue developing a longer-term vision for both sites, working closely with local people every step of the way."
The Council has already identified potential funding through the Cymru Football Foundation, the charitable arm of the Football Association of Wales, and will continue developing proposals for the upgraded pitch.
Applications are also being planned for further funding once the next round of opportunities open in January.
Future work will include detailed needs assessments, feasibility studies and further community engagement before any longer-term development proposals are brought back to the Council’s Cabinet for consideration.