Hackney,
21
August
2015
|
15:08
Europe/London

New top-of-the-range all-weather pitch for Haggerston Park

haggerston.jpg

A newly resurfaced, state-of-the-art all-weather pitch, identical to those used in some of the country’s top professional sporting stadiums, opened this month in the borough thanks to Hackney Council.

The updated ‘third generation’ (3G) pitch, in Haggerston Park, is made of specialised, hard-wearing synthetic material and is ideal for football and rugby. It replaces the previous near decade-old AstroTurf field which had become badly worn and damaged in parts.

The pitch, the same as those used by Saracens and Newcastle Falcons rugby teams, has been tested to meet the highest, competition-level FIFA and IRB standards, and boasts top-of-the-range yarn and a 25mm shockpad - 10mm thicker than the previous pitch.

Following consultation with sports clubs and residents, the Council changed the pitch markings of the new and improved surface to include a full-size football pitch, two half pitches and three smaller traverse pitches suitable for junior matches.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council
Although we had carried out a number of repairs on the old pitch over the past few years, it had continued to deteriorate and was becoming unsafe for users.

This newly resurfaced pitch is fantastic: it boasts top-of-the-range materials and technology, and is approved by major sporting bodies and used by professional clubs. This is an important investment for local people and I hope residents and sportspeople will enjoy using it.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council

The Council has also invested in three new aluminium football goals, including one for junior 11-a-side teams.

The installation, which began in June, was carried out by specialist contractors SIS Ltd, and overseen by the Council’s sports surfacing advisors, MSc Consultants Ltd.

To book the pitch contact the Hackney Marshes Centre via e-mail: Paula.Bennett-Smith@GLL.ORG or Ricky.McMinn@GLL.ORG or call: 020 8986 7955.