New plans unveiled for enhanced sports facilities at Sunderland's Silksworth Recreation Park

Sunderland City Council has lodged plans to upgrade football and basketball facilities at Silksworth Recreation Park, in a bid to increase access to sport. The proposal includes the enhancement of the existing multi-use games area (MUGA) with new fencing and floodlighting.

The development is part of the Football Foundation’s PlayZones Programme, which aims to "tackle inequalities in physical activity" and improve access to "high-quality facilities in targeted areas". The scheme also seeks to benefit lower socio-economic groups, women and girls, disabled people and ethnically diverse communities by providing "provide opportunity and access to safe, inclusive and welcoming facilities".

Plans for a PlayZone in Southwick have already been approved, and Sunderland City Council recently revealed proposals to roll out more PlayZones. The new plans for Silksworth Recreation Park are linked to the existing MUGA near Wilson Terrace and adjacent to the park’s bowling green.

A design and access statement submitted by Sports Labs Ltd on behalf of the city council provides further details on the scheme, stating that the council application is "in partnership with Youth Almighty Project" and upgrades to the MUGA will include a "new painted asphalt finish consisting of the playing surface surrounded by perimeter fencing enhanced by a floodlighting system".

The proposed development, surrounded by perimeter fencing and enhanced with a floodlighting system, is set to provide an "exciting and enticing space" for the local community. The aim is to encourage more physical activity, primarily through football but extending to other sports and casual play.

The existing MUGA is described as "basic and simple in nature", "tired and unused". The proposed upgrades, including new benches, goals, basketball hoops and a sports court with anti-slip paint, are expected to bring wider local benefits.

The design and access statement further elaborates: "It will offer increased opportunities for sport to be played during times of the year when inclement weather would deem the surrounding natural grass surface unplayable or dangerous and improves on the current playing surface of the existing MUGA."

The new facility will also facilitate use during evenings and weekends, providing a high-quality space to the wider community by the inclusion of floodlighting. It's noted that there are an insufficient number of similar facilities within the local area, and this development would provide a space for the community to engage in sport year-round.

The PlayZone could also serve as a valued training facility, improving the team sports experience; it could be used for educational, club and community football training and matches during the week and weekends, all within reasonable times of use. This proposal offers excellent outcomes in line with the pr.

The principles of the PlayZone Scheme – accessibility, inclusivity, sustainability, engagement and usage – are said to have the potential to positively impact crucial social and health priorities. Planning documents reveal proposed opening times from 9am-10pm, Monday to Sunday, to "satisfy the demands of curriculum activities and allowing the wider community access to the pitch".

It's highlighted that the planned floodlights would "feature flat style optics designed to reduce upward waste light and overspill" and that "efforts have been made to ensure that any negative impacts of the proposed development are minimised as far as practicable". The design and access statement also mentions letters of support from Silksworth ward councillors, local businesses and a community group commending the proposed improvements to the park’s MUGA.

The decision on the Football Foundation PlayZone will be made following a period of council consultation. Sunderland City Council’s planning department has set a decision deadline of December 26, 2024.

For further details on the application or to follow its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 24/02109/LP3.

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