Go ahead given for new 4G community pitch at Carryduff Primary School
A major £700k sport plan for a Carryduff school, which will include a 4G pitch, has been approved.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee unanimously approved its own application for the development, with funding also agreed. The new shared 4G pitch will be developed at Carryduff Primary School, with evening management by Killynure Community Association.
Councillor Brian Higginson said: “Having played a major role in helping to deliver the project and secure the necessary support, we are delighted to see the development take another significant step forward. “With funding secured over a month ago, the decision brings this fantastic community facility closer to becoming a reality.” A campaign for funding had been started some time ago by the late constituency MLA Christopher Stalford, who passed away in February 2022.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s elected member Councillor Higginson and the Stormont Assembly speaker Edwin Poots have since picked up the mantle to lobby for the new community and school pitch.
Mr Higginson added: “Once completed, the new pitch will provide a valuable sporting resource for pupils, local sports clubs and the wider Carryduff community, helping to encourage participation in sport and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
“We look forward to seeing work progress in the months ahead as this important community project moves towards construction.”
On its social media, Carryduff Primary School added: “Looks like our heavily waterlogged, grass pitch will soon be usable all year round. A huge thanks to everyone involved for your hard work and support.”
The funding when released will be put forward with £470K from LCCC and £230k from Choice Housing.
Killynure Community Association chairperson Aaron Thompson said: “This is a huge step forward not only for our local community, but also the future generations of players.
"We would like to sincerely thank the main funders, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Choice Housing Ltd, whose support has been fundamental in getting this project to this stage.
“Our project would not have been possible without the support of Carryduff Primary School, Education Authority and our local representatives, councillors and MLAs, each of whom have backed this initiative from the outset.”