A £2.5 million sports hub has officially opened in Droitwich.
The development, next to Droitwich FC’s ground, includes a new floodlit all-weather 3G artificial pitch, refurbished pavilion, and new changing rooms.
The football club has also benefited from the project, with new seating and dugouts installed which will allow the team to return to playing its home games in Droitwich.
Rob Lamb, director and treasurer of Droitwich FC, said: “This facility is already being used by people of all ages from juniors to those playing walking football.
“It’s created a real buzz of excitement and we know from conversations we’ve been having that people are excited by the return of Droitwich FC to the town and will be coming to cheer us on.”
For the last four years, the club has been forced to play at Stourport as the ground would not meet the requirements to compete at a higher level.
The new facilities meet current and future requirements, allowing the club to play matches in Droitwich and offering the potential for further promotions.
The Football Foundation backed the development with a £460,000 grant while the rest of the funding came from S106 money – money given by developers to invest in sports and leisure facilities in Droitwich as part of planning agreements.
Wychavon district councilor Rob Adams, executive board member for stronger communities, culture and sport, said: “Three years ago we started to talk about this project and it’s wonderful to see the transformation that’s taken place.
“This could not have happened without the help of the many great partners we have worked with.
“It’s a wonderful facility for people of all ages, the whole community, and another example of how Wychavon is investing in sports and leisure facilities across the district.”
Droitwich Spa Leisure Center manager Tim Kirkham will be responsible for hiring out the new facilities.
He added: “I’ve been manager at Droitwich Leisure Center since 1992 and the pavilion, changing rooms and football pitches have always looked tired compared to the facilities we have at the leisure center – well not anymore.”