Stanley Deason Leisure Centre in East Brighton has unveiled its newly upgraded all-weather hockey pitch, just in time for the start of the new school year.
The facility, run by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council, has seen significant investment over the past year. Following the installation of a new polyurethane sports floor, LED lighting and cricket nets in the sports hall last December, attention has now turned to the outdoor pitch.
The upgrade, carried out by Hunts Contractors Limited, includes a state-of-the-art sand-based synthetic surface with line markings for both hockey and football, as well as improved fencing, new goals and resurfaced tarmac surrounds.
Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport, leisure and libraries, said: “Providing residents with opportunities to enjoy a range of sports is a key priority for us and I’m sure this new state-of-the-art playing surface will be welcomed by football and hockey players across the city.”
The £400,000 project was delivered ahead of schedule, with Hunts Contractors completing the work in just ten weeks thanks to favourable summer weather. All of the old shock-pad and synthetic surface were recycled, in line with the council’s sustainability goals.
The project was overseen by Notts Sport – the official facilities partner to England Hockey, Hockey Wales and Great Britain Hockey – who ensured the work met key safety, performance and sustainability targets.
Funded as part of the council’s 10-year Sports Facility Investment Plan, the upgrade supports the city’s wider Playing Pitch Strategy, which sets out a 15-year vision to meet growing demand for quality cricket, football, hockey and rugby facilities.
Freedom Leisure is now inviting local hockey clubs in search of a new home to make use of the revamped all-weather pitch.
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