'An important community destination': New football, cricket and basketball facilities planned for Leeds park
Plans revealed for new multi-sport facility at popular Leeds park
A community will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in a city park if planning permission is agreed.
Leeds City Council is seeking to provide a new space for cricket, football, basketball and netball in Burley Park.
The grant-funded project would provide a hard surface and flood-lit area within existing sports facilities at the Victorian-era park.
A design report said the development would be part of the Football Foundation’s national PlayZones programme.
It said: “Burley Park is an important is an important community destination, providing local residents with a versatile outdoor space, a range of existing sports facilities and a playground.
“The proposed PlayZone is to be located within an area of the park which already contains enclosed sports courts, currently accommodating basketball and tennis.”
The proposed tarmac pitch would be painted and permeable to allow rainwater to filter into the ground, the report said.
Four six-metre high LED lighting columns would illuminate the pitch to allow all-weather use.
The report said: “The site does not currently have any existing floodlights.”
An online booking system would be used for access to the site, set to be open from 8am to 10pm daily.
The report said: “The facility has been designed to allow extended winter use through the provision of floodlighting.
“The facility will be secured via a digital access system with interlinked lighting, ensuring lighting will only be operational when the pitch has been booked and accessed.”
A full planning application to create a multi-use games area (MUGA) is out for consultation until November 4.
The report, by LK2 Architects and contractor Cleveland Land Services, said: “The proposed PlayZone at Burley Park represents a significant enhancement to the local community’s recreational facilities
“The development aligns with local planning policies and community aspirations, and we respectfully request planning permission for this valuable addition to the community.”