More improvements welcomed at Stanley Deason Leisure Centre as upgraded artificial pitch is unveiled

Work to renovate the all-weather hockey pitch at Stanley Deason Leisure Centre has been completed – in perfect time for the start of the new school year. 

The pitch, which is used by local schools and colleges, is the latest improvement to the leisure centre, which is operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the council. 

Last December the indoor sports hall floor was replaced with new polyurethane sports flooring, along with new LED lighting and additional cricket nets. 

State-of-the-art surface

Carried out by Hunts Contractors Limited, work to improve the all-weather pitch has included installing a new state-of-the-art sand based synthetic surface with line markings for hockey and football, along with upgraded fencing.  

The tarmacadam pitch surround has also been improved and new goals provided for both hockey and football.   

Key priority

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Libraries said: “I’m delighted to see yet another improvement to the sports facilities at Stanley Deason Leisure Centre. 

“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 hockey players across the city.” 

Supporting grassroots sport

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure CEO, added: “Freedom Leisure is delighted to have been working in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council on the refurbishment of the Astroturf pitch at Stanley Deason Leisure Centre.  

"This important investment shows the commitment to secure a high-quality, all-weather facility for hockey, football and potentially other track and field activities – supporting grassroots sport and providing a modern venue for the community long into the future.” 

Early finish  

Hunt Contractors has more than 30 years’ experience of pitch construction and renovation and, aided by the fine summer weather, completed the project within ten weeks – earlier than anticipated. 

Sharing the council’s commitment to using sustainable materials and recycling wherever possible, the contractors recycled 100% of the shock-pad and synthetic surface.   

 The project was managed on behalf of the council by Notts Sport – official facilities partner to England Hockey, Hockey Wales and Great Britain Hockey.  

Notts Sport liaised closely with the construction team to ensure that the upgrade to the facility was completed safely and on time, meeting key performance and sustainability targets. 

Sports Facility Investment Plan

The £400k project was funded by the council as part of its 10-year Sports Facility Investment Plan.  

The plan aims to improve access for residents to high-quality sports facilities and increase participation. 

The work also complements the council’s Playing Pitch Strategy, launched earlier this year, which sets out how the council will aim to meet the growing demand for good quality and accessible facilities for those playing cricket, football, hockey and rugby over the next 15 years. 

Freedom Leisure would be pleased to hear from local hockey clubs looking for their first or new home in the city and interested in using the new all-weather pitch. 

More information can be found of the Stanley Deason website, or by phoning 01273694281