Digging Deep for Leisure

Work begins on development of King George V Playing Fields

Pictured:
Knowsley Council Leader, Cllr Jim Keight, with Council officers and contractors

A sod cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of leisure developments at King George V playing fields in Huyton took place recently. Head of Knowsley Council, Cllr Jim Knight, cut out the first sod.

The sports developments will have something to offer everyone, particularly young people, and will completely transform what is currently a low-grade public space. Now construction work will start to replace the existing pavilion with a purpose-built sports facility including a boxing gym and a fitness area, as well as changing facilities, a community hall and a car park. The new building will be named after Bryn Furlong, who was a highly respected coach at Huyton Amateur Boxing Club.

Improvements to all the external playing fields include five football pitches, two floodlit and secure mini-use games areas and also two floodlit crown bowling greens, three floodlit tennis courts, a children’s play area and a grassed running track.

John Bell, Knowsley’s Director of Leisure and Community Services, commented: “The new look KGV will create a centre for community sports in Huyton and follows extensive consultation with local people, sports clubs and national sports organisations. It really will be a superb facility for the people of Huyton.”

A new woodland with forest trails and activities will complement the whole sporting setting for children together with a formal park setting established on the opposite side of the 40-acre site. There will also be a large car park within the grounds.

Work is expected to take up to 12 months to complete with facilities scheduled for opening in the summer of 2002.