News / Hockey association could launch feasibility study into new pitch
A FEASIBILITY study could be undertaken to explore the idea of creating another hockey pitch in Shetland.
A spokesperson for the Shetland Hockey Association said a few of its members are currently looking into carrying out a site option appraisal as well as the feasibility study.
This could lead to a site being identified in the central mainland area.
Shetland only has one suitable hockey pitch, at the all-weather Brae astroturf, and there has been clamour for some time for another pitch which is more central.
A petition previously calling for the old Anderson High School site to include a hockey playing surface received more than 1,000 signatures.
Correspondence shown to a meeting of Lerwick Community Council on Monday night highlighted that Shetland Islands Council is liaising with the hockey association regarding potential site options.
Sport and leisure services manager Neil Watt said Lerwick Community Council could potentially financially support the feasibility study, as could the newly established Crown Estate fund.
“It was agreed that a site option appraisal and feasibility study should be done to evaluate which sites are potentially large enough to accommodate a hockey pitch and all associated requirements i.e. fencing, lighting columns, parking and changing facilities,” Watt said following a meeting with Lerwick Community Council member Damien Ristori.
“It was noted that the Gilbertson Park is not an option as it is a Queen Elizabeth II park and is protected from major development through Fields in Trust.
“Potential site options that could be looked at in Lerwick include Seafield, Clickimin athletics track, Clickimin South, Clickimin North including the undeveloped area to the north of Clickimin 4.
“We agreed to liaise with the hockey association to consider potential site options and funding for a site appraisal and feasibility study.”
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