A state-of-the-art
multi-sports pitch in Wigan installed only three years ago could receive
further investment and upgrade under plans proposed by the town’s legendary
rugby league side.
Wigan Warriors have
entered negotiations with Wigan Council to look at the feasibility of moving
the club’s Central Park operations to Robin Park Arena, in the shadow of Wigan
FC’s DW Stadium.
Inspiring Healthy
Lifestyles, which currently runs Robin Park Arena and its associated leisure
centre, are part of the discussions with community groups to improve the health
and wellbeing of the borough’s residents.
The plans would see
the Warriors turn the arena into a world class sports and community leisure
facility and take on its lease, saving the council £241,000 a year in subsidy
and maintenance costs.
The council invested
£318,000 in a state-of-the-art pitch at the arena only three years ago for
sports clubs, football and rugby players in the area.
The 3G FIFA 2-star
pitch, which also meets the International Rugby Board’s standard and can be
used in all weather conditions, is surrounded by 5m high Zaun Limited Duo8
Super Rebound to aid ball retention.
The twin horizontal
wire panels are highly durable, low maintenance, ‘graffiti-proof’ and offer
great rebound properties similar to a wall. Ten gates provide access at
all points of the pitch.
The fencing was
installed by nearby Dawn Fencing of Leigh, which has been going more than 30
years and is the only fencing contractor dedicated solely to sports.
At the time, Wigan
councillor Paul Kenny, cabinet member for resources, said: “I am really pleased
that we have been able to invest in this valuable resource for the benefit of
the community. One of the things we are asking people to do as part of the Wigan
Deal is become more active and healthy, and it is important that we provide
quality facilities to encourage them to do so.”
