Sporting chance in Lowestoft

A PAVILION, floodlit football pitch and parking for visiting coaches could feature among the sports facilities planned as part of Lowestoft's new sixth form college.

The proposed �28m centre, which would eventually house up to 1,000 students, has been designed to revolutionise post-16 education in the town and give youngsters greater choice in a purpose-built centre in the grounds of Lowestoft College, In St Peter's Street.

Now, plans have been submitted for a sports field on a 1.5-hectare plot at Barnard's Meadow that is used presently as a sports area by Roman Hill Middle School - which will be closed in 2011/12 as part of Suffolk County Council's shake-up of education in the town.

The new sixth form facilities, which would also be used by pupils from Roman Hill Primary, would include:

A single-storey pavilion with changing rooms and teaching space.

A full-size artificial grass football pitch with floodlights.

Parking for up to six coaches, 12 cars and 32 cycles.

The football pitch and changing rooms would also be used by youngsters studying on a football foundation degree course at Lowestoft College and by Waveney Youth Football Club.

A report that accompanies the plans, which have been drawn up by Suffolk County Council, says developing Barnard's Meadow into a high-quality sports area with extended opening hours, all-weather pitches, changing rooms and a teaching area would benefit not just local education but the wider community.

There is already cycle and pedestrian access from the site to Lowestoft College, and those behind the scheme believe that vehicle access can be improved as the site borders an out-of-town shopping estate.

As well as being used by sports teams, the pavilion and kitchenette would be made available for use by community groups.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be taken by Waveney District Council later this year.