PWA Planning has helped gain planning consent for a new football facility and community space in Brighton on behalf of the Russell Martin Foundation.
The development, proposed for the former Southwick Football Club site in Old Barn Way, will see the creation of a new sports hub building, an all-weather 3G football pitch to replace the former grass pitch, and new player and supporter facilities.
As well as having changing rooms and bar and kitchen facilities, the sports hub building will offer a flexible space for a variety of education and community health programmes.
The Russell Martin Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation set up by former professional footballer Russell Martin, who played for Norwich, Rangers and Scotland and is now the manager of Southampton FC.
Dan Hughes, planning director at PWA, said: “The Russell Martin Foundation does so much to promote grass roots football and community participation in sports in Brighton and Hove.
“We’re proud to have played our role in helping the foundation to get the ball rolling with its plans to transform this derelict former football ground into thriving football and community sports venue.”
The proposed development includes the creation of new dugouts, a new stand for 56 spectators, new turnstiles, new pitch barriers and fencing and replacement floodlights.
Access to the main car park will also be improved along with new disabled parking bays and cycle storage.
The scheme has been designed by FWP architects. PSA Design advised on highways matters.