Armley park set to be transformed into new multi-use games area
Work will be carried out by contractor Cleveland Land Services
A sports ground in west Leeds is set to be redeveloped after planning permission and grant funding was agreed.
Leeds City Council will improve a games site on Oak Road in Armley in partnership with sports charity the Football Foundation.
Existing facilities will be transformed into a new multi-use games area (MUGA) at the ground, known as Jailey Fields and near HMP Armley.
A council planning report said: “The proposal will re-purpose the existing football and basketball MUGA to provide a football, basketball and netball PlayZone.
“The introduction of an enhanced sports facility in this area of the park will further improve the offering to local residents and serve as a hub for promoting physical health, social interaction and community cohesion.”
The council said it would provide improvements to existing facilities at the site through its contractor Cleveland Land Services.
The report said: “Oak Road Recreational Park is a small urban green space, located in Armley, which is a approximately one mile from Leeds city centre.
“The park is also known by the colloquial nickname Jailey Fields due to its close proximity to HMP Leeds, which is immediately west of the park.”
LED lighting and perimeter fencing would be provided as part of a national scheme of sports ground improvements.
The report said: “The development, in association with the Football Foundation’s PlayZones, programme aims to provide new, modern, accessible, safe facilities which enhance the overall user experience.”
An online booking system would be in place for use of the ground between 8am-10pm, the report said.
A noise impact assessment showed there would be no disturbances to people living nearby.
The report said: “Actual operation and booking availability can be managed to ensure adequate maintenance time is also scheduled.
“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.”