Sporting types can up their game with the introduction of a sleek new 3G pitch at the Dell Stadium.

The modern new pitch will replace the existing 18 year old artificial grass pitch. The works are part the council’s playing pitch strategy which was developed in partnership with Sport England and the Football Association.

Work is scheduled to start on Monday 20 November 2017 and should take around 12 weeks to complete. The project is set to cost £660,000 made up of £550,000 funding through The FA, The Football Foundation and £110,000 from Dudley Council.

Existing users of the facility have been temporarily relocated to other sites in the borough and the Saturday morning ParkRun has been suspended for the duration of the works, with the final run of the season taking place tomorrow (18 November). The council will be working closely with the Birmingham County FA to ensure that local people and clubs get to make the most out of the new pitch.

This investment is in addition to the council’s commitment to invest £22m in the wider leisure service which includes plans for a new leisure centre in Dudley, as well as refurbishing and modernising the existing leisure centres in Halesowen and Stourbridge. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration, said:

“This £660,000 investment, with the help of The FA will transform the pitch at the Dell for the benefit of all users.

"It forms part of our wider investment in leisure services, showing our commitment to providing quality leisure facilities for our residents.”

Any booking enquires for the new pitches should be made to Area Manager, Steve Gay, by email.