A state-of-the-art new sports pitch is now open, completing an ambitious regeneration project at Costello Playing Fields in Hull. The purpose-built all-weather pitch will ensure sports can be played year-round, whatever the weather conditions.
The site is also floodlit, ensuring the new sports facility will be used throughout the year. The upgrades include the pitch itself, additional parking and a brand new changing facility.
Community groups, Hull College, schools and sports teams will be among the users of the facilities. Crucially, the improvement works include huge improvement to drainage to improve conditions on a site which has been prone to flooding.
The improvements, delivered by Hull City Council and its contractor Hull Esteem Consortium Limited, complement Costello Playing Fields’ existing offer, including the recently revamped running track as part of the stadium.
Cllr Maria Coward, the Lord Mayor of Hull and Admiral of the Humber, attended the opening of the facilities and said it was going to be ‘absolutely amazing’ for the people of Hull.
She said it could have a transformational impact in getting people active because it is so accessible. And Cllr Coward, who represents the Boothferry ward, explained the work delivered to minimise any issues with drainage and flooding was so important to local communities.
“This pitch means people from across Hull can play all year round. It really is absolutely amazing, genuinely first-class place. It will be used by colleges, sports teams and the general public. I just can’t wait to see people enjoying themselves here,” she said.
The 3G pitch and changing facilities will be used by Hull College during the day during term time and will provide a high-quality facility for community user groups during peak times, such as evenings and weekends.
The facility’s impressive offering includes four five-a-side football pitches, two seven-a-side, one nine-a-side, a full-size rugby pitch and a full-size football pitch for eleven-a-side games.
Neil Margerison, Leisure Manager at Costello Stadium, was confident the investment in West Hull would have a ‘massive impact’ and explained he already had a long list of more than 50 teams and community groups interested in hiring facilities.
The brand new heated changing rooms would be particularly popular, with some Sunday league players still used to getting their kit on at the side of the pitch or in their car, Mr Margerison said.
“It’s such an exciting time for sport in Hull,” he said. “We’ve got a team doing well in the Premier League, two Super League in the Rugby, and a successful ice hockey team. So it’s the perfect moment for us to provide a new and improved offer for sports teams.”
One of the most important improvements is the new floodlights, which will attract teams to play under the lights throughout the dark winter months. “The timing of getting these pitches open and available for booking is ideal. Teams have to train and play throughout the season,” Mr Margerison explained.
The Costello running track, which is part of the same sports complex, reopened last summer. This work improved long jump and pole-vault, delivered track protection running rails and better sand pits areas.
The site, which is on Anlaby Park Road North, also offers a large indoor sports hall available for sporting and commercial use, four floodlit outdoor tennis courts and meeting and conference facilities.
By: Paul Drury-Bradey, LDRS
