Royal School Armagh could benefit from the provision of a new 2G hockey pitch – along with spectator viewing terrace – at its College Hill site.
Proposals have been drawn up and lodged with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
The plans would essentially see the replacement of the existing shale pitch and the works would also involve a “minor relocation”.
The sloped viewing terrace would be located to the west side of the pitch, while three-metre high ball-stop fencing – fitted with ‘kick-boards’ – are included.
A half metre ball-stop fence – again with ‘kick-boards’ – are included at either end of the pitch where the goals are located.
The hockey pitches for the Royal School are located on the opposite side of the road from the main campus and there are no major changes expected to numbers attending.
And access will continue to be maintained as at present.
A transport assessment form advises: “The pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be similar to the previous number of journeys, with only minor increases due to the improved surface and therefore increases in match frequency and pitch usage.
“Peak times for traffic accessing the site would be on Saturday match fixtures and other weekday match fixtures. The number of match fixtures may increase from the previous number of fixtures played on the previous shale pitch. Therefore, there may be an increase in the number of vehicles arriving to the site during peak periods when visiting teams are playing.
“Pedestrian access to the proposed pitch would be via the existing pedestrian underpass from the main school campus to ensure safe access and minimal risk of accidents.
“The requirement for car parking will be facilitated in the main by the provision of the school’s car park on the main campus.”
The application is now with council and will be advertised shortly.
