Grand plans to improve sporting facilities in Market Drayton at Greenfields and The Grove School unveiled
Plans have been unveiled to revolutionise sports facilities in Market Drayton after a long wait for sports clubs and organisations.
Members of clubs and other organisations alongside councillors packed inside the Town Hall on Wednesday evening (February 26) to view proposals for major works to improve the town's sporting facilities.
A group called Active Market Drayton was formed and been working for the past year to consult with clubs on their specific needs and draw up the plans.
Chair of the group and Shropshire Council's deputy leader Ian Nellins welcomed the many who attended - some critical, but most strongly in favour - and set out their vision for the future of sport in Market Drayton.
He said discussions have taken place several times over the past 20 years, but that nothing has so far materialised.
However, he is confident the town is set to see new facilities and said "Market Drayton has been neglected for many years".
The cost of the project to upgrade facilities at Greenfields Sports Ground and at The Grove School is estimated at more than £6 million.
Active Market Drayton has set out its 'initial priority' which is to develop a new multi-sport all-weather pitch at the secondary school - suitable for hockey - and to revamp existing sports, ancillary and social facilities on the Market Drayton Sports Association (MDSA) site - based at Greenfields.
These are 'priorities' due to The Grove School 'lacking' in all-weather facilities for curriculum and after school use, and as Market Drayton Hockey Club currently plays at Lilleshall.
Meanwhile, existing facilities at Greenfields have been described as "past the end of their useful life".
Greenfields Sports Ground could see a new two-storey clubhouse with changing facilities built, new tennis courts and various sized pitches, including a 3G senior football pitch, installed.
Meanwhile, proposals are for the existing rugby pitch to remain while the training pitch to the side will become sole-use for rugby.
Active Market Drayton consists of Ian Nellins from Shropshire Council, Tim Manton from Market Drayton Town Council, Rachel Fowler from Strategic Leisure, Richard Kolbe from The Grove School, Grant Robertson from MDSA and representatives from Market Drayton Community Amateur Sports Club.
Mr Robertson from MDSA speaks on behalf of sports clubs including Market Drayton Town F.C. and Market Drayton Rugby Club who play and are based at Greenfields.
Market Drayton Netball Club was originally not included in the plans, but has since been introduced.
Active Market Drayton is hoping for work to commence at The Grove School by towards the end of this year, and for the all-weather pitch to be completed and in use by spring 2026.
Meanwhile, Active Market Drayton aims to have new facilities opened at Greenfields Sports Ground by the end of 2027.
Active Market Drayton said that the condition of existing sports facilities has 'limited' the rugby, football - both junior and adult - and tennis clubs to "grow their membership and provide both training and match pitch space on the site".
The group has already worked with The Grove School to open two pitches on the school site which are used by junior football and rugby clubs.
Active Drayton said the north Shropshire town has seen "unprecedented growth in population over the last few years," and stated that investment in the town’s sporting infrastructure is a "priority to reduce health inequalities and increase levels of participation".
The organisation will now work on the development of an operational plan and a detailed business plan for the priority projects.
Meanwhile, work is also ongoing to secure capital funding from a variety of sources which will include fundraising efforts within the local community.
It's hoped that fundraising efforts will begin from April this year, alongside seeking sponsorship and grants from governing bodies.
Mr Nellins said: "There are a lot of people who have come to the event from lots of groups and organisations.
"We are trying to improve activity in sport in Market Drayton. It already happens but the facilities are not up to standard for a town the sized of Market Drayton.
"This project was first discussed before I moved to Market Drayton 15 years ago.
"It has taken about 18 months to get us to where we are, and you can see from the proposals that it has been taken positively."
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