Groundwork complete at Lesser Borough Briggs with all-weather facility set for summer opening
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GROUNDWORK on the all-weather multi-sports facility at Lesser Borough Briggs in Elgin has been completed.
Elgin Sports Community Trust (ESCT) is overseeing the building of a full-size floodlit 3G football/rugby pitch and two five-a-side pitches.
The next stage of the build will see fencing and flood lighting put in place.
The facility is on track to open late this summer, as scheduled.
Dave Allen, ESCT chairman, said: "All things considered, coming through a global pandemic, it's incredible we have maintained the progress we have.
"We have got to where we are against all the odds.
"We are going to be continually trying to raise funds to enable us to get across the line.
"We have had fantastic support and I can see people realising this is for the community. Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses and individuals we hope we will be able to complete the project in July.
"We are hoping to have a big opening event towards end of July or the beginning of August."
The groundwork was completed by VolkerFitzpatrick – who recently resurfaced the runways at RAF Lossiemouth – as part of their plan to leave a legacy in the Moray area.
Mr Allen added: "VolkerFitzpatrick completed the groundwork as a gift to the community.
"That gift is probably worth about £500,000 with all they have done.
"They have done a lot of work at RAF Lossie and they like to leave a legacy and help a local charity wherever they are.
"ESCT are the charity they wanted to help and that enabled us to get to where we want to be.
"DoE Sports are now on contract with ESCT to deliver the specialist part of the build, starting with the fencing on April 19 and they will go on and do the flood lighting, as well as putting the specialist stone layer underneath the pitches."
The sports facility is already set to create jobs in Moray – with ESCT working with Moray College and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to start apprenticeships for young people.
A manager's post will be available, with three people needed to run the facilities.
ESCT has already had enquiries from men's walking football teams, girls' football teams, local football clubs, American football clubs and netball teams with regard using the facility.
A website for the facility is set to go live soon at www.esct.co.uk.
To donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/ESCT.
