FOOTBALL is coming home to Droitwich after Wychavon District Council gave the go ahead to proposals for the town’s club to have a ‘stadia pitch’.
The plan, part of a £2.5million investment by the authority split between Droitwich and Evesham, was given unanimous backing by the executive board and full council.
The development on council-owned land near the King George V Playing Fields, includes a small stand and turnstile and includes a community 3G pitch.
Work, funded by Section 106 money provided by developers building properties in the area, is due to start in May 2020.
In a statement Droitwich Spa FC called it a ‘key milestone in the development of football for all ages and gender in the town’.
“Everybody at the club are obviously delighted with the news which falls in line with the community club’s vision and their five-year plan and for which they have fought hard.”
Both the men’s and women’s teams will be able to play their home games in Droitwich.
Currently The Saltmen have to travel to Stourport because of the town’s current ground not meeting Step Five footballing standards.
The statement added it was looking forward to working with the council to develop both the stadia and community pitches.
The club thanked Richard Whittall from the Droitwich Spa King George V Sports Association CIC for his tireless work over the past four years.
Mr Whittall said: “It’s brilliant news and it means sport in Droitwich can now be taken up to the next level.”
Coun Rob Adams, Wychavon’s executive board member for community engagement, culture and sport, said: “This is an exciting and game-changing investment in sporting facilities that will inspire more people to get out and get active as well as develop the next generation of sporting talent.”
The community pitch will support the development of junior boys and girls football and the changing rooms and pavilion will also need refurbishing or rebuilding.
