District Council invests over £1million on a new football pitch in Witney

West Oxfordshire District Council has allocated over £1million of section 106 (s106) funding for a new third generation (3G) football pitch. The pitch will be located at West Witney Sports Ground to ensure grassroots football continues to grow. 

The District Council’s Executive members decided at a recent meeting in Chipping Norton to allocate the secured sum of over £1millon funding towards the project. Funding for the pitch will come from section 106 money, which has been received by the Council from housing developments local to the site. Section 106 funds are from developers given to the council for providing community and social infrastructure. 

The pitch funding will be transferred to Witney Town Council, who will oversee the design, planning and build of the facility and long-term operation and maintenance of the pitch. 

Executive Member for Leisure and Major Projects Councillor Tim Sumner said, “This is an exciting new development for the existing sports facility in the town. It will provide a much-needed all year-round pitch provision for the local clubs and the community to enjoy and benefit from. 

“A state-of-the-art 3G pitch will allow more playing time than a traditional pitch due to the materials used. The facility could also see sports lighting installed, which means longer day to day usage along with all year-round matches. 

“With a grant of over £1million, this facility will allow everyone, regardless of ability or age to enjoy playing football on a new all-weather pitch. By supporting the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy, this investment ensures future access to more sports facilities for our communities. It also promotes health and well-being, encouraging people to adopt a healthier way of life.” 

Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council said, “It's great news that the 3G pitch location has been approved. There are several projects up at West Witney Sports Ground that need to coordinate with each other very carefully for the good of football, cricket, running, the clubhouse and the Town Council works team. I look forward to them taking shape.”   

Final funding for the work now needs to be found for the installation to begin. The total cost for the development is estimated to be £ 1,200,000 for a full sized adult 11v11 3G pitch with sports lighting (based on Sport England’s Q3 2024 facility costs).   

With over a million pounds already raised for the project, this will create more opportunities to access additional funding needed and simplify the process of securing the remaining amount through other grants. 

Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk