New sports facilities coming to Top Park, Ramsbottom

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 15:45

By David Murphy

More top-quality sports facilities are on the way as works progress to create a new state-of-the-art, full-size 3G floodlit all-weather football pitch at Top Park, Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom.

The enhancements at the park will also include an extension and improvements to the changing pavilion, an extension to the car park, and refurbishment of the play area.

The new 3G football pitch and associated improvements are being supported by a £1m external grant from the Football Foundation together with £450k approved capital matched funding from Bury Council. The £50,000 play area and ball zone improvements are being funded by Bury Council’s ongoing play areas refurbishment programme.

Major site works are in progress and will continue until late spring 2025.

During the works, there is no direct access to the playing field from the main Bolton Road West entrance.

Improvements have been carried out to an existing informal footpath from Ramsbottom Cemetery for pedestrian access with suitable footwear.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “This will be a fantastic high-quality football facility for the benefit of Ramsbottom and North Bury. It will also provide improved community facilities for a wide range of users. A recently completed 3G pitch in Radcliffe is now being used by more than 70 clubs and we are hoping for the same here at Top Park.”

Councillor Gareth Staples-Jones, deputy cabinet member, added: “This new facility will also support wellbeing and healthy lifestyles and give young people better opportunities for physical activity at a safe and well-maintained modern facility.”