Two New Floodlit 3G Pitches Planned for Shrub End, With £2m From the Football Foundation

A planning application has been submitted for two new full-size floodlit 3G football pitches at Shrub End Community and Sports Centre, a project that could bring more than £2 million of Football Foundation money into Colchester. The plans also cover improvements to the site’s existing 3G pitch, extra spectator toilets and a pitch-side kitchen and servery in the pavilion, and a bigger car park.

Colchester City Council, which owns the site, announced the application on 12 November. It is working on the project with Colchester United Community Foundation, the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, with Essex County Football Association supporting it as the strategic lead for grassroots football in the county.

Why Colchester needs more 3G pitches

The council says the plans answer a shortage of full-size 3G pitches in the city. The latest supporting report puts the shortfall at 5.5 full-size pitch equivalents across Colchester and describes Shrub End as a strategic site for football in the city.

The council says the new pitches would let the site host more matches, training sessions and community activities through the year, with less disruption from poor weather.

Almost 2,000 people already use Shrub End each week, according to the council. The extra pitches would let more existing programmes be brought together on the one site and give more room to local clubs, schools and community groups. The council says the plans were shaped by engagement with local clubs and community organisations, and will support activities for women and girls, disabled participants, older people and groups that currently struggle to find suitable facilities.

Who is paying

The Football Foundation’s share could be more than £2 million. The rest would come from Colchester United Community Foundation and from Section 106 money, the contributions developers pay towards local facilities, which the council has allocated for sports provision. The release does not give a total cost.

What they say

Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “Sport has an important role in helping people lead healthy lives, building confidence and bringing communities together. These proposals could create more opportunities for children, families and residents of all ages to take part throughout the year.

“The plans would build on Shrub End’s existing role as a community sports venue and help respond to the demand for improved facilities across Colchester.”

Councillor William Sunnucks, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Assets, said: “This proposal represents an opportunity to attract significant external investment into an existing council-owned sports site, improving the facilities available to residents while supporting their sustainable use for the future.

“Football brings people together, helping young people stay active, develop teamwork skills and improve their physical wellbeing.”

He added that the application “will be considered independently through the Council’s normal planning process before any decision is made.”

The community foundation has run the existing facilities with the council since 2006. Its chief executive, Corin Haines, said: “Colchester United Community Foundation are delighted to be working with our partners to bring forward these proposals for Shrub End Community & Sport Centre, several years of strategic planning and consultation have brought us to this point. Having successfully operated the existing facilities in partnership with CCC since 2006, the site now requires further development to meet local demand and ensure high-quality facilities are maintained and accessed by thousands of beneficiaries each week.

“The aim is to create facilities that can be enjoyed by local clubs, schools, community groups and residents throughout the year. The project has the potential to increase participation in sport, support grassroots clubs and provide lasting benefits for all areas of our local community.”

Brendan Walshe, chief executive of Essex County FA, said: “As the strategic lead for grassroots football in Essex, we are pleased to be working with partners from across the football community to help bring forward proposals which could increase opportunities for participation and improve facilities for clubs, players, coaches, volunteers and local communities.”

He said the application fits the county FA’s #MovingForward Strategy 2028 commitment to better facilities: “Grassroots football’s value extends far beyond the pitch, improving health and wellbeing and strengthening communities. This investment could help more residents, of all ages and backgrounds, to enjoy those benefits through accessible opportunities to play sport, connect with others and take part in community activity.”

What it means for you

Nothing is approved yet. The application goes through the council’s normal planning process, and residents can view it and comment through the council’s planning search during the consultation. Clubs and groups that already use Shrub End, or want pitch time there, can put their views on the record the same way. If the plans are approved, the extended car park is meant to cope with the extra activity the new pitches would bring.