PLANNING permission has been granted for the development of Alvechurch FC’s new ground which will include a state-of-the-art all-weather pitch, club house, function rooms, changing rooms and four grass pitches.
‘The Hayes’ was given the go-ahead by members of Bromsgrove District Council with seven votes in favour and one abstention.
Alvechurch FC has worked closely with Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils over the past two years to provide an outstanding space to play football for anyone aged five to 90 years old.
Chairman Richard Thorndike said: “It’s a great relief to finally get this over the line.
“Anyone who has worked closely with me over the past four years knows securing a base for the club has been a priority of mine.
“Currently we have youth section teams in Oldbury, Redditch and Bartley Green as well as places closer to us.
“Our vision is for a site which can cater for most of them in one place.
“Once completed, the income will come from the 3G pitch, function room hire and bar takings as well as the match day gate receipts.”
The FA have proposed Alvechurch FC becomes a Club Hub for South Birmingham which it is hoped will bring in better opportunities for sponsors and more community-based football for the whole area.
The population surrounding the new ground is estimated to be 140,000, compared to the 5,500 living in Alvechurch village.
“I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the people who worked alongside us during what has been an extremely challenging period.”
Funding towards the project has been discussed at length with the FA and Football Foundation and the club will be looking to engage its consultant’s services over the coming weeks.
Work on The Hayes is expected to begin in March with a completion date of Autumn 2019.
